Prevention and management of hysterectomy complications.

Hysterectomy is the most common gynecologic surgical procedure performed in the United States. Although most hysterectomies proceed without incident, complications with serious consequences may occur. This chapter reviews the incidence, predisposing factors, intraoperative risk, diagnosis, and management and prevention of complications of hysterectomy. These include hemorrhage, infection, thromboembolism, injury to viscera, and neuropathy. The prepared surgeon is familiar with anatomy, surgical risk factors, current recommendations for prophylaxis and prevention, as well as modern management of complications of hysterectomy.