Obstetric Hysterectomy

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Indications & Urgency - Code Red Reasons

  • Primary: Uncontrollable Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
    • Uterine atony: refractory to uterotonics, massage, tamponade, uterine artery ligation.
    • Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS): accreta, increta, percreta.

      ⭐ Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is the leading indication for peripartum hysterectomy in many developed countries, especially with rising caesarean section rates.

    • Uterine rupture: complete or complex.
    • Irreparable uterine/cervical trauma: e.g., extensive lacerations.
  • Other Critical:
    • Severe uterine sepsis/necrosis: e.g., chorioamnionitis unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
    • Uterine neoplasia: discovered incidentally during CS, requiring definitive management.
  • Urgency (Code Red):
    • Life-threatening, ongoing hemorrhage despite all conservative measures.
    • Persistent, profound hemodynamic instability (refractory shock).

Timing, Types & Team - Hysterectomy Huddle

  • Timing of Obstetric Hysterectomy:
    • Elective: Planned for conditions like placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) diagnosed antenatally.
    • Emergency: Life-saving for uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), uterine rupture, intractable uterine atony.
  • Types:
    • Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH): Removal of uterine body and cervix. Most common.
    • Subtotal/Supracervical Hysterectomy (STAH): Uterine body removed, cervix preserved.
      • Advantages: Potentially faster, ↓ blood loss, ↓ risk of urinary tract injury.
      • Disadvantages: Risk of cyclical bleeding from stump, future cervical stump pathology (e.g., malignancy).
  • Team (Hysterectomy Huddle - multidisciplinary approach):
    • Senior/Experienced Obstetrician (Primary Surgeon)
    • Assistant Surgeon(s)
    • Senior Anesthesiologist (experienced in obstetric emergencies)
    • Scrub Nurse & Circulating Nurse
    • Blood Bank: Crucial for timely blood products; activate Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP) if anticipated.
    • Neonatal Team: If delivery is part of the procedure or recent. Surgical team performing obstetric hysterectomy

⭐ Subtotal hysterectomy may be preferred in emergencies due to shorter operative time and potentially less blood loss, but carries a risk of future cervical stump issues (e.g., cyclical bleeding, malignancy).

Surgical Technique - Navigating Red Sea

  • Core Aim: Rapid hemorrhage control. Experienced surgeon & team vital.
  • Incision: Midline vertical for optimal access & speed.
  • Uterus: Enlarged, hypervascular; gentle handling crucial.
  • Critical Steps:
    • Ureteric Vigilance: Identify early. ⚠️ High injury risk.
    • Vascular Pedicles:
      • Swift, secure double clamping. Use large clamps.
      • Suture ligate (e.g., Vicryl No. 1).
    • Bladder Flap: Careful dissection due to ↑vascularity.
    • Procedure Type:
      • Subtotal (Supracervical): Faster, ↓blood loss; often emergency choice.
      • Total: For cervical issues or definitive care.
    • Hemostasis: Absolute priority. Consider packing/drains.
    • MTP: Activate Massive Transfusion Protocol early.

⭐ Systematic devascularization, including ligation of uterine arteries and potentially ovarian arteries (if bleeding persists from above), is a cornerstone of managing hemorrhage during obstetric hysterectomy.

Complications & Outlook - Post-Op Perils

  • Major Risks & Complications:
    • Hemorrhage: Primary concern, often the indication.
    • Urinary Tract Injury: Bladder/ureter damage.

      ⭐ Injury to the urinary tract, particularly the bladder or ureters (risk ~1-2%), is a significant morbidity; ureters are most vulnerable near the uterine artery ligation site or at the pelvic brim.

    • Bowel/Nerve Injury: Less frequent.
    • Infection: Wound, pelvic, UTI.
    • Thromboembolism: DVT/PE.
    • Febrile morbidity.
  • Late Sequelae:
    • Adhesions, bowel obstruction.
    • Fistula formation (e.g., vesicovaginal).
    • Vault prolapse.
    • Psychological impact (loss of fertility).
  • Prognosis:
    • Maternal mortality: Low, but ↑ vs. non-obstetric cases.
    • Recovery: Generally good if complications managed promptly.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Primary indication: Uncontrollable PPH, especially from placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) or uterine atony.
  • An emergency life-saving measure when conservative PPH treatments fail.
  • Total hysterectomy preferred; subtotal is quicker in dire emergencies.
  • Key goals: Secure uterine/ovarian arteries; activate massive transfusion protocol.
  • Major risks: Hemorrhage, ureteric/bladder injury, sepsis.
  • Risk factors: Prior C-sections, placenta previa, grand multiparity, uterine rupture.
  • Causes permanent sterility; counsel pre-operatively if possible.

Practice Questions: Obstetric Hysterectomy

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Bleeding in rupture of the uterus associated with a large broad ligament hematoma is controlled most simply by :

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Flashcards: Obstetric Hysterectomy

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The first step in uterine inversion after resuscitating the patient is to administer _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The first step in uterine inversion after resuscitating the patient is to administer _____

tocolytics

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