Objective: To estimate the incidence, indications, risk factors, complications, and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 189 cases that had required emergency peripartum hysterectomy between January 1993 and February 2012. Demographic and clinical data were collected and interpreted on these patients operated at the obstetrics & gynecology department of a tertiary care center. Results: The mean age

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... number of parities were 34.3 and 5.4, respectively. Caesarean section has been performed on 70.4% of births prior to emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Induction of labour had been performed on 32.8% of cases. The most common placentation anomaly was placenta praevia percreata (20.1%). The leading indications for hysterectomy were uterine atony (31.7%), uterine rupture (25.4%) and abnormal placentation (22.2%). Subtotal (63.5%) or total (36.5%) hysterectomies were performed. Relaparotomy due to hemorrhage or ureter ligation was required in 22.8% of cases. Intensive care unit follow-up was necessary in 66.1% of patients. Mortality rate was 6.9%. Conclusion: Emergency peripartum hysterectomy is a high risk but a life saving operation which is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Obstetricians should identify patients at risk and anticipate the procedure and complications, as early intervention and proper management facilitate optimal outcome.