ABSTRACT
To determine the hospital based prevalence of hepatitis B and C in elective surgical patients of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. A descriptive study. The study was conducted in Military Hospital Rawalpindi from 25 Aug 2004 to 19 Dec 2005. A total of 1502 patients ranging from 20 to 70 years [Mean age 37 SD +/- 12], admitted for elective surgery in Gynaecology department, were screened for hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis C was positive in 156[10.39%] patients, while hepatitis B was positive in only 20 [1.33%] patients and both hepatitis B and C were positive in 5 [0.33%] patients. Overall hepatitis viruses were positive in 181[12.5%] patients. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of hepatitis, especially hepatitis C is high in Gynaecology/obstetric patients. All patients undergoing surgical/invasive procedure should be screened for Hepatitis B and C