A FOUR YEAR ACROSS SURGICAL DISCIPLINE PERIOPERATIVE AND INTRAOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE OF PATIENT MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY ACADEMIC HOSPITAL - A REVIEW AT DR GEORGE MUKHARI ACADEMIC HOSPITAL.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of iatrogenic injuries related to obstetric and gynaecological procedures can have a significant impact on morbidity as well as mortality to these patients. In this study we reviewed patients presenting with iatrogenic injuries post caesarean section and hysterectomies in order to classify types of injuries frequently encountered as well as the management of these injuries.

METHOD: Over a four year period, the records of all patients presenting with iatrogenic injuries post obstetric and gynaecological procedures were reviewed. These injuries were classified according to the type of injury, frequency as well as time taken to identify the iatrogenic injury before any intervention was performed.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighty two patients were identified over the four year period and the injuries can be classified as follows: Bladder Injury (28.6%%), Left Ureter Injury(12.1%), Right Ureter Injury(21.4%), Bladder and Ureter Injury (8.2%), Vascular Injury (2.2%), Small Bowel Injury (17.6%), Large Bowel Injury(6.6%), Rectal Injury (2.8%), Appendicectomy (0.6%), Small Bowel and Bladder Injury (5.5%).

CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of iatrogenic injuries in this subset of patients.