Old and novel insights into emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a time-trend analysis

Purpose: To assess changing trends, role of the triad patient–pregnancy–health professionals and health care cost in emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH). Methods: Demographics, indications, perinatal outcomes, perioperative complications in EPH cases performed in a 10-year period were extracted from the local birth registry. Experience of health professionals in the management of the post-partum haemorrhage was valued. Two subgroups (Period I, 2009–2013 vs. Period II, 2014–2018) were recognized. Overall and detailed EPH ratios/1000 deliveries were calculated. Cost analysis was achieved in agreement with the diagnosis-related group (DGR) system. Results: A total of 39 EPH were performed among 36,053 deliveries. EPH incidence increased from 0.8 to 1.32‰ across study periods (p < 0.001). The mean maternal age (36.9 ± 4.7 vs. 38.9 ± 5.9 years, p = 0.035) and the high socio-economic status (0 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.027) were statistically different. Multiparity (84.6 vs. 96.2%, p = 0.005), previous caesarean section (CS) (0.9 ± 0.9 vs. 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.049), and emergent CS (7.7 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.048) were found statistically different. In Period II, increased attempts in conservative approaches (7.7 vs. 36.8%, p = 0.007), reduction in blood loss (3184 ± 1753 vs. 2511 ± 1252 mL, p = 0.045), advanced age of gynecologists performing EPH (54.5 ± 9.2 vs. 60.3 ± 6.4 years, p = 0.024), and augmented health care costs (mean DRG of € 2.782 vs. 3.371,95, p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: As a “near-miss” event, advances on identification of EPH factors are mandatory. Time–trend analyses might add information and address novel strategies.