Elective cesarean hysterectomy--revisited.

A review of 80 cases of planned or anticipated cesarean hysterectomies done at major centers in the greater Los Angeles area is presented. There were no deaths and five cases of morbidity. Nineteen percent, or one of five cases, required blood transfusions. According to the recommendation of the American Association of Blood Banks, a program of homologous blood replacement should be instituted. Cesarean hysterectomy is a formidable procedure but should not be discarded. In proper hands there are numerous advantages to the operation. Residency training programs should include the teaching of planned or anticipated cesarean hysterectomy in order that skills for the occasional emergency cesarean hysterectomy may be developed.