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Complications of Obstetrics and Gynecological Surgery

According to HealthyWomen.org, over 25 million Americans have surgery every year. Hysterectomies and cesarean sections are the most common surgeries involving women's reproductive systems. Other gynecological surgeries done frequently include dilatation and curettage (D&C) and a variety of laparoscopic gynecological procedures. While any surgery poses risks, certain complications are more common with gynecological surgeries.

  1. Hysterectomy Complications

    • Whereas the Mayo Clinic reports that a hysterectomy is a relatively safe procedure, there are still some risks as with any surgery. The risks of complications from anesthesia, although infrequent, are possible. Other complications include blood clots, blood loss and infection. Those with other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, have an increased risk of complications, as do overweight and obese patients. Due to the location of the uterus, during a hysterectomy there is risk of damage to organs nearby, such as the bowel, bladder or ureters. Also, if the surgeon is dealing with large fibroids or masses that obscure his vision the risk of damage to organs is also increased.

    Cesarean Section Complications

    • The American Pregnancy Association reports that the odds of a woman having a cesarean section to deliver her baby are roughly 1 in 4 worldwide, according to 2005 statistics. One possible complication women face, after a cesarean, is infection. The uterus, the incision area or the bladder can become infected. Blood loss or hemorrhage is another complication. Approximately 1 in 6 women require a blood transfusion following a cesarean. Organs, such as the bladder or bowel, may be injured during the surgery; this happens with 2 in 100 women, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Adhesions or scar tissue may form from the surgery, which can lead to future pregnancy problems, such as placenta previa or placental abruption. Reactions to anesthesia or pain medication are possible as well. A cesarean will typically involve a longer hospital stay and extended recovery for the patient. Sometimes additional surgeries may be required after a cesarean, such as a hysterectomy or repair to injured organs. The overall risk of maternal death is also higher with a cesarean than with a vaginal birth. According to a 2006 study published in "Obstetrics and Gynecology," women undergoing a cesarean had a three-fold higher risk of mortality than those who had a vaginal birth.

    Dilatation and Curettage Complications

    • Another gynecological surgery that is common is dilatation and curettage. This procedure involves scraping the uterine lining for tissue. This may be done following a miscarriage, for abnormal bleeding, to detect cancer or to treat an incomplete miscarriage. Risks from a D&C include heavy vaginal bleeding, such as passing large blood clots, reactions to anesthesia or pain medications, infection of the uterine lining or organs in the pelvic area, damage to the cervix, or puncture or scarring of the uterus.

    Laparoscopic Surgery Complications

    • A number of gynecological problems are diagnosed and/or treated by laparoscopic surgery. This is minimally invasive surgery that requires less recovery time and can sometimes be done as a same-day, outpatient procedure. However, it is not without risks. According to OBGyn.net, laparoscopy is performed in 70 percent of gynecological surgeries. Serious injury can occur from electrosurgical burns, which may cause infection and damage to organs and tissue. These infections and injuries can cause severe problems, even death.

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