The Magnitude of Hemoglobin–Drop in Obstetrics and Gynecologic Operations (Is Routine Hb Check Necessary?)

Routine hemoglobin check after obstetrics and gynecologic operations is common and recommended by textbooks, but there are just few literatures regarding to the value of routine Hb check. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes of hemoglobin and it’s effects on clinical management after obstetrics and gynecologic operations . This study was undertaken on low risk patients who underwent hysterectomy, removal of dnexal mass , C-Section , A.P repair , tubectomy and evaluation of incomplete abortion. The level of hemoglobin was obtained once before operation , then the day after opetation and at the time of discharge . The need for transfusion , re-exploration of operative site and ferrous sulfate administration due to anemia were also our outcome variables. In 671 Patients who underwent this study the mean hemoglobin – drop was 1.2gr/100ml , Hb change more than 2 units was found in 19.7%of patients and more than 3 units in 3.2%. The maximal Hb alteration was seen at vaginal hysterctomy . In this study one of patient underwent surgical re-exploration, two had blood transfusion but in all of them Hb alteration was not the reason for relevant intervention. Anemia was exhibited at the time of discharge in 106% and 73% of patients with a postoperative hemoglobin fall more than 2 and 3 units respectively. We conclude that in the absence of preoperative medical problems and intraoperative bleeding , routine postoperative hemoglobin determination is not necessary but it should be recommended at the time of discharge