An audit of hysterectomies: indications, complications and clinico pathological analysis of hysterectomy specimens in a tertiary care center

Background: Hysterectomy is the commonest major surgical procedure performed in gynecology. It is an effective treatment option for many gynecological conditions. Aim and objective of the study was to analyse the indications, complications of hysterectomies and to see whether preoperative clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology.Methods: Authors present a retrospective study of 198 hysterectomised cases over a period of one year from January 2016 to December 2016. The data regarding patients age, parity, indication for hysterectomy, type of hysterectomy, complications during and after surgery and final histopathological diagnosis were collected from the records and analysed.Results: A total of 198 cases of hysterectomies were studied. Hysterectomies were distributed over a wide age ranging from 32 years to 75 years. Most common age group was 41-50 years. Majority were done through abdominal route 162 cases (81%). Most common indication was abnormal uterine bleeding 56 (28%) and fibroid 41 (21%). One case of accidental bladder injury was noted. Most common postoperative complication was fever (23%). Most common histopathological lesion was fibroid 101 (51%). In three cases preoperative clinical diagnosis did not correlate with final histopathological diagnosis.Conclusions: As any surgical procedure, hysterectomy is also associated with risk of complications. Hence the indication should be carefully evaluated. Reporting of all hysterectomies should be made mandatory and audit results should be used for improvement of quality of health service. Newer and less invasive treatment options should be offered to women with benign pathologies. This will further reduce the incidence of hysterectomy

Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression at a tertiary care institute

Background: Up to 85% of the women experience some type of mood disturbance in the postnatal period. Postpartum depression affects bonding with infant which may lead to malnutrition and other complications in the infant. This article focuses on the prevalence of depression among postnatal women attending a tertiary care institute in Chennai and to identify the risk factors that affect postpartum depression.Methods: This study was a cross sectional study, performed over a period of three months from January 2019 to March 2019. 200 postnatal mothers were recruited for the study, who were in postpartum period from 1 to 6 weeks after delivery. Specially designed proforma was used to record various determinants to assess the risk factors which could contribute to postpartum depression. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to detect the depressive symptoms in postnatal mother.Results: A total of 200 cases were studied. Prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 25%. Primi gravida, history of miscarriage and unplanned pregnancy were associated with increased risk of developing depression in the postnatal period. Fear regarding gender of the child and failure of lactation were not contributing risk factors to postpartum depression. Spacious house and partner support were found to be protective factors to combat depression in postnatal women.Conclusions: Prevalence of postpartum depression was 25%. Significant association was found between primi gravida, history of miscarriage, unplanned pregnancy and postpartum depression. Early screening of the women will reduce the adverse outcomes among both mother and the child