Complications of termination of pregnancy: a retrospective study of admissions to Christchurch Women's Hospital 1989 and 1990.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Sykes
P
P
Christchurch Women's Hospital.
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D009520:New Zealand; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D014595:Uterine Perforation / Q000209:etiology