Indications and risks of abdominal hysterectomy

A retrospective analysis of 602 consecutive abdominal histerectomies revealed that uterine fibroids servel as the principal indication for the procedure. Malignant disease accounted for only 4.5% cases. The main complciations encountered were at the abdominal wound and vaginal vault. The use of prophylactic antibiotics is supported, but routine cross-matching of blood for all patients is questioned