Caesareans linked to higher risk of hysterectomies

London, Jan 1 (UNI) Women who have had a caesarean section run a significantly increased risk of needing a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) following the birth of their second child, a major study from Oxford University has found.

It showed that the risk of a hysterectomy, which will put an end to their childbearing, was raised by 350 per cent in those women who have a caesarean, the Guardian reported.

Dr Marian Knight at Oxford said, ''It was rare for a woman to have a hysterectomy following childbirth, but there is no doubt that there is a big increase in risk with previous delivery by caesarean section.'' The risk of having a hysterectomy rises massively in the second pregnancy for those who had a caesarean.

Statistics reveal that one in 1,300 women who have had one previous caesarean will have a hysterectomy. If she has had two or more previous caesareans, the risk rises to one in 220.

The study also found that women with twin pregnancies, older mothers and those who already had three or more children were also at higher risk of needing a hysterectomy.

Dr Knight said, ''The main message from this study for women thinking of choosing a caesarean is that it is not a risk-free procedure. A woman and her doctor should weigh the risks against the benefits.'' UNI XC SKB MIR KP1350