AIMS: To review the admissions to Christchurch Women's Hospital with complications of termination of pregnancy. To estimate complication rates from Christchurch institutions and compare this with the international literature. METHODS: Relevant admissions were recorded by admitting staff. The hospital notes were retrospectively analysed. The complication rates were estimated from Christchurch termination rates in the study period. RESULTS: In 1989 and 1990 there were 2879 terminations of pregnancy performed in Christchurch. There were 167 admissions with complications. There was an admission rate of 5.8% and a curettage rate of 4.8%, 2.9% were confirmed to have retained products of conception. 0.47% required laparoscopy or laparotomy, 0.1% required blood transfusion. There was an increased rate of complications after 14 weeks. CONCLUSION: Admission rates in Christchurch are similar to those in some studies, others suggest that with improved technique and ideal follow up assessment readmissions could be reduced.
AIMS: To review the admissions to Christchurch Women's Hospital with complications of termination of pregnancy. To estimate complication rates from Christchurch institutions and compare this with the international literature. METHODS: Relevant admissions were recorded by admitting staff. The hospital notes were retrospectively analysed. The complication rates were estimated from Christchurch termination rates in the study period. RESULTS: In 1989 and 1990 there were 2879 terminations of pregnancy performed in Christchurch. There were 167 admissions with complications. There was an admission rate of 5.8% and a curettage rate of 4.8%, 2.9% were confirmed to have retained products of conception. 0.47% required laparoscopy or laparotomy, 0.1% required blood transfusion. There was an increased rate of complications after 14 weeks. CONCLUSION: Admission rates in Christchurch are similar to those in some studies, others suggest that with improved technique and ideal follow up assessment readmissions could be reduced.