Você pesquisou por y - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
You searched for:"Melania Maria Ramos de Amorim"
We found (25) results for your search.Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(6):285-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000600004
PURPOSE: to investigate the main factors associated with fetal death in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: an observational, case-control study, including cases attended from June 1st 2004 to 31st March 2005. A number of 116 stillbirth cases and 472 live birth controls, with deliveries assisted at the service, were included. The cases were identified in the record book from the delivery room. The puerperium women were identified by the name and register number at a puerperium infirmary. The controls were selected, using the puerperium infirmary neighborhood criterion, identifying the beds with numbers immediately lower (two patients) and higher (two patients) than the patient's, as far as they had delivered live babies. In case they did not agree to participate in the research, the next beds with numbers consecutively lower or higher were approached. The χ2 association and Fisher's exact tests were used when necessary to test the association between the independent (predictive) and dependent (stillborn) variables, considering 5% as the significance level. To determine the association strength, the estimate of relative risk for case-control cases, Odds Ratio (OR) was used, with 95% as the confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression analysis according to the hierarchy model was done to control confounding factors. RESULTS: the fetal mortality rate corresponded to 24.4 by 1,000 births. After the multivariate analysis, the variables which kept significantly associated with fetal death were: malformation (OR=7.5; CI=3.2-17.4), number of pre-natal appointments lower than six (OR=4.4; CI=2.5-7.5), hemorrhagic syndromes (OR=2.9; CI=1.4-5.7), attendance in another hospital unit along the 24 hours which preceded the patient's admission in the institution (OR=2.9; CI=1.8-4.6), mothers' age over or equal to 35 years old (OR=2.2; CI=1.0-4.9) and schooling lower than eight years (OR=1.6; CI=1.02-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: it was found a high fetal mortality coefficient, the main factors associated with death were: malformation, number of pre-natal appointments lower than six, hemorrhagic syndromes, history of attendance previous to the hospital admission, mothers' age over or equal to 35 and schooling lower than eight years.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(6):285-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000600004
PURPOSE: to investigate the main factors associated with fetal death in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: an observational, case-control study, including cases attended from June 1st 2004 to 31st March 2005. A number of 116 stillbirth cases and 472 live birth controls, with deliveries assisted at the service, were included. The cases were identified in the record book from the delivery room. The puerperium women were identified by the name and register number at a puerperium infirmary. The controls were selected, using the puerperium infirmary neighborhood criterion, identifying the beds with numbers immediately lower (two patients) and higher (two patients) than the patient's, as far as they had delivered live babies. In case they did not agree to participate in the research, the next beds with numbers consecutively lower or higher were approached. The χ2 association and Fisher's exact tests were used when necessary to test the association between the independent (predictive) and dependent (stillborn) variables, considering 5% as the significance level. To determine the association strength, the estimate of relative risk for case-control cases, Odds Ratio (OR) was used, with 95% as the confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression analysis according to the hierarchy model was done to control confounding factors. RESULTS: the fetal mortality rate corresponded to 24.4 by 1,000 births. After the multivariate analysis, the variables which kept significantly associated with fetal death were: malformation (OR=7.5; CI=3.2-17.4), number of pre-natal appointments lower than six (OR=4.4; CI=2.5-7.5), hemorrhagic syndromes (OR=2.9; CI=1.4-5.7), attendance in another hospital unit along the 24 hours which preceded the patient's admission in the institution (OR=2.9; CI=1.8-4.6), mothers' age over or equal to 35 years old (OR=2.2; CI=1.0-4.9) and schooling lower than eight years (OR=1.6; CI=1.02-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: it was found a high fetal mortality coefficient, the main factors associated with death were: malformation, number of pre-natal appointments lower than six, hemorrhagic syndromes, history of attendance previous to the hospital admission, mothers' age over or equal to 35 and schooling lower than eight years.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1998;20(5):289-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031998000500009
Pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain and paralytic ileus in the postoperative period are usually related to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The authors present a case of a patient submitted to cesarean section (abruptio placentae) who had a postoperative course of abdominal distention and abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray showed important dilatation of the colon and small bowel. Pneumoperitoneum was seen on chest X-ray. An exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of intestinal perforation. The operation showed a marked dilatation of bowel, pneumoperitoneum, and infected hemoperitoneum and subaponeurotic hematoma (Escherichia coli), without any perforation. Postoperative recovery was good and antibiotics were given for 4 days (ceftriaxone + metronidazole). The patient was diseharged from hospital on the 7th day after laparotomy. After review of the literature the authors concluded that this case of pneumoperitoneum was probably related to infection by a gas-producing bacterium in a patient with clinical findings of paralytic ileus.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1998;20(5):289-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031998000500009
Pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain and paralytic ileus in the postoperative period are usually related to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The authors present a case of a patient submitted to cesarean section (abruptio placentae) who had a postoperative course of abdominal distention and abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray showed important dilatation of the colon and small bowel. Pneumoperitoneum was seen on chest X-ray. An exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of intestinal perforation. The operation showed a marked dilatation of bowel, pneumoperitoneum, and infected hemoperitoneum and subaponeurotic hematoma (Escherichia coli), without any perforation. Postoperative recovery was good and antibiotics were given for 4 days (ceftriaxone + metronidazole). The patient was diseharged from hospital on the 7th day after laparotomy. After review of the literature the authors concluded that this case of pneumoperitoneum was probably related to infection by a gas-producing bacterium in a patient with clinical findings of paralytic ileus.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):297-302
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600004
PURPOSE: to identify the main characteristics of the diagnostic and surgical gynecological laparoscopies carried out in patients with reproductive difficulties at a teaching hospital in Recife, from 2000 and 2004. METHODS: a hospital based descriptive case-series study was carried out with 295 patients who had undergone gynecological laparoscopy for either infertility or tube recanalization in the Mother and Child Health Professor Fernando Figueira Institute. Information was obtained from the surgical records of the laparoscopies carried out from January 2000 to December 2004. The inclusion criteria was infertility or pre-recanalization study as a surgical indication. The information was typed twice into a data bank. Tables with central measurements and dispersion tendency were created for the quantitative variables and frequency distribution for the categorical variables. The statistical program, Epi Info 3.3.2., was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: along the study, 462 gynecological laparoscopies were analyzed, 295 (63.8%) of them having as an indication either infertility (41.1%) or the study of possible tube recanalization (18.8%). The patients’ average age in both groups was from 30 to 34 years old. Among the 87 patients with desire of tube recanalization, 55.2% had one or both tubes inadequate for the procedure, and from those, 52.1% was diagnosed with tube amputation (fimbrectomy). In the infertility cases, the most observed findings were adherences (60.6%), tube obstruction (40.9%) and endometriosis (36.1%). Among the procedures carried out, lysis of adherences (34.2%) and biopsies (21%) were the most frequent, followed by endometriosis treatment (10.8%) and salpingostomy (10.8%). CONCLUSION: videolaparoscopy is an important tool in the study and treatment of patients with infertility and before tube recanalization, especially in those hospitals where advanced reproductive techniques are not available.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):297-302
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600004
PURPOSE: to identify the main characteristics of the diagnostic and surgical gynecological laparoscopies carried out in patients with reproductive difficulties at a teaching hospital in Recife, from 2000 and 2004. METHODS: a hospital based descriptive case-series study was carried out with 295 patients who had undergone gynecological laparoscopy for either infertility or tube recanalization in the Mother and Child Health Professor Fernando Figueira Institute. Information was obtained from the surgical records of the laparoscopies carried out from January 2000 to December 2004. The inclusion criteria was infertility or pre-recanalization study as a surgical indication. The information was typed twice into a data bank. Tables with central measurements and dispersion tendency were created for the quantitative variables and frequency distribution for the categorical variables. The statistical program, Epi Info 3.3.2., was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: along the study, 462 gynecological laparoscopies were analyzed, 295 (63.8%) of them having as an indication either infertility (41.1%) or the study of possible tube recanalization (18.8%). The patients’ average age in both groups was from 30 to 34 years old. Among the 87 patients with desire of tube recanalization, 55.2% had one or both tubes inadequate for the procedure, and from those, 52.1% was diagnosed with tube amputation (fimbrectomy). In the infertility cases, the most observed findings were adherences (60.6%), tube obstruction (40.9%) and endometriosis (36.1%). Among the procedures carried out, lysis of adherences (34.2%) and biopsies (21%) were the most frequent, followed by endometriosis treatment (10.8%) and salpingostomy (10.8%). CONCLUSION: videolaparoscopy is an important tool in the study and treatment of patients with infertility and before tube recanalization, especially in those hospitals where advanced reproductive techniques are not available.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2003;25(5):309-316
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000500002
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of domestic physical violence among women who delivered at a tertiary center in the Northeast of Brazil, to study the main risk factors associated with domestic violence, and to determine perinatal outcome. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 420 women who delivered at a tertiary center in Recife (Brazil) with fetuses weighing more than 500 g. They were submitted to interviews with open and closed questions. The prevalence of domestic physical violence was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using c² and Fisher's exact tests at a 5% level of significance. The prevalence ratio was determined as measurement of relative risk of violence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed and the adjusted risk was calculated. RESULTS: the prevalence of domestic physical violence was 13.1% (95% CI = 10.1-16.6) and 7.4% (95% CI = 5.2-10.2) before and during pregnancy, respectively. The pattern of violence has changed during pregnancy: stopped in 43.6%, was reduced in 27.3% and increased in 11% of the victims. After multivariate analysis the variables that persisted strongly associated with violence were low female educational level, history of violence in the women´s family, partner's use of alcohol and unemployment. Perinatal outcome was studied and a significantly higher frequency of neonatal death was observed among victims of domestic violence. CONCLUSIONS: a high prevalence of domestic physical violence was observed (about 13%) in women who delivered at a tertiary center in Northeast of Brazil. The main risk factors were low educational level and previous familiar history of violence in the women's family, alcohol use by and unemployment of their partners. Neonatal mortality was increased in victims of violence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2003;25(5):309-316
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000500002
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of domestic physical violence among women who delivered at a tertiary center in the Northeast of Brazil, to study the main risk factors associated with domestic violence, and to determine perinatal outcome. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 420 women who delivered at a tertiary center in Recife (Brazil) with fetuses weighing more than 500 g. They were submitted to interviews with open and closed questions. The prevalence of domestic physical violence was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using c² and Fisher's exact tests at a 5% level of significance. The prevalence ratio was determined as measurement of relative risk of violence. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed and the adjusted risk was calculated. RESULTS: the prevalence of domestic physical violence was 13.1% (95% CI = 10.1-16.6) and 7.4% (95% CI = 5.2-10.2) before and during pregnancy, respectively. The pattern of violence has changed during pregnancy: stopped in 43.6%, was reduced in 27.3% and increased in 11% of the victims. After multivariate analysis the variables that persisted strongly associated with violence were low female educational level, history of violence in the women´s family, partner's use of alcohol and unemployment. Perinatal outcome was studied and a significantly higher frequency of neonatal death was observed among victims of domestic violence. CONCLUSIONS: a high prevalence of domestic physical violence was observed (about 13%) in women who delivered at a tertiary center in Northeast of Brazil. The main risk factors were low educational level and previous familiar history of violence in the women's family, alcohol use by and unemployment of their partners. Neonatal mortality was increased in victims of violence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2016;38(7):325-332
Systematic reviews that evaluate the perineal cryotherapy to reduce pain in the vaginal postpartum are inconclusive.
To evaluate clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy in the management of humanized postpartum perineal pain and vaginal edema.
A double-bind randomized controlled clinical trial (UTN number: U1111- 1131-8433) was conducted in a hospital in Northeastern, Brazil.Women were included following humanized childbirth. All had vaginal deliveries of a single, full-term pregnancy with cephalic presentation. Exclusion criteria included previous perineal lesion, episiotomy during the current delivery, instrumental delivery, uterine curettage and postpartum hemorrhage. In the experimental group, an ice pack was applied six times on the perineum for 20 minutes, reducing the temperature between 10 and 15° C, then 60 minutes without exposure to cold. In the non-cryotherapy, a water bag unable to reduce the temperature to this extent was used, compliance with the same application protocol of the first group. Perineal temperature wasmonitored at zero, 10 and 20 minutes for application in both groups. Evaluations were made immediately before and after the applications and 24 hours after delivery spontaneous, to determine the association between variables.
A total of 80 women were included in the study, 40 in each group. There was no significant difference in scores of perineal pain and edema between the groups with or without cryotherapy until 24 hours after childbirth. There was no difference between groups when accomplished repeated measures analysis over the 24 hours after delivery, considering the median perineal pain (p = 0.3) and edema (p = 0.9). Perineal cryotherapy did not influence the amount of analgesics used (p = 0.07) and no adverse effect was registered.
The use of cryotherapy following normal vaginal delivery within the concept of humanized minimally interventionist childbirth had no effect on perineal pain and edema, since it was already substantially lower, nor the need for pain medicaments.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2016;38(7):325-332
Systematic reviews that evaluate the perineal cryotherapy to reduce pain in the vaginal postpartum are inconclusive.
To evaluate clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy in the management of humanized postpartum perineal pain and vaginal edema.
A double-bind randomized controlled clinical trial (UTN number: U1111- 1131-8433) was conducted in a hospital in Northeastern, Brazil.Women were included following humanized childbirth. All had vaginal deliveries of a single, full-term pregnancy with cephalic presentation. Exclusion criteria included previous perineal lesion, episiotomy during the current delivery, instrumental delivery, uterine curettage and postpartum hemorrhage. In the experimental group, an ice pack was applied six times on the perineum for 20 minutes, reducing the temperature between 10 and 15° C, then 60 minutes without exposure to cold. In the non-cryotherapy, a water bag unable to reduce the temperature to this extent was used, compliance with the same application protocol of the first group. Perineal temperature wasmonitored at zero, 10 and 20 minutes for application in both groups. Evaluations were made immediately before and after the applications and 24 hours after delivery spontaneous, to determine the association between variables.
A total of 80 women were included in the study, 40 in each group. There was no significant difference in scores of perineal pain and edema between the groups with or without cryotherapy until 24 hours after childbirth. There was no difference between groups when accomplished repeated measures analysis over the 24 hours after delivery, considering the median perineal pain (p = 0.3) and edema (p = 0.9). Perineal cryotherapy did not influence the amount of analgesics used (p = 0.07) and no adverse effect was registered.
The use of cryotherapy following normal vaginal delivery within the concept of humanized minimally interventionist childbirth had no effect on perineal pain and edema, since it was already substantially lower, nor the need for pain medicaments.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(6):353-357
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000600009
Introduction: meconium peritonitis as result of fetal intestinal perforation has a low incidence (1:30,000 deliveries) and high mortality (50% or more). Prenatal ultrasound findings include fetal ascites and intra-abdominal calcifications. Evidence suggests that prenatal diagnosis can improve postnatal prognosis. Case Report: R.C.M.S., 22 years, II pregnancy O para, presented ultrasound (12/02/98) with diagnosis of fetal ascites. Investigation for hydrops fetalis was performed and immune and nonimmune causes were excluded. Severe fetal ascites persisted on subsequent ultrasound examinations, without calcifications. Vaginal delivery occurred at 36 weeks (01/02/99), with polyhydramnios. Female neonate weighing 2,670 g, with signs of respiratory distress, abdominal distension and petechiae. Abdominal distension worsened progressively, with palpation of a petrous tumor in the right upper quadrant and elimination of white mucus at rectal examination. Radiological findings (01/04/99) were disseminated abdominal calcifications, intestinal dilatation and absence of gas at rectal ampulla. Exploratory laparotomy was indicated with diagnosis of meconium peritonitis. A giant meconium cyst and ileal atresia were observed and lysis of adhesions and ileostomy were performed. Initial postoperative evolution was satisfactory but was subsequently complicated by sepsis and neonatal death occurred (01/09/99). Conclusion: meconium peritonitis should be remembered at differential diagnosis of fetal ascites. In the present case, surgical indication could be anticipated if prenatal diagnosis were established, with improvement of neonatal evolution.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(6):353-357
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000600009
Introduction: meconium peritonitis as result of fetal intestinal perforation has a low incidence (1:30,000 deliveries) and high mortality (50% or more). Prenatal ultrasound findings include fetal ascites and intra-abdominal calcifications. Evidence suggests that prenatal diagnosis can improve postnatal prognosis. Case Report: R.C.M.S., 22 years, II pregnancy O para, presented ultrasound (12/02/98) with diagnosis of fetal ascites. Investigation for hydrops fetalis was performed and immune and nonimmune causes were excluded. Severe fetal ascites persisted on subsequent ultrasound examinations, without calcifications. Vaginal delivery occurred at 36 weeks (01/02/99), with polyhydramnios. Female neonate weighing 2,670 g, with signs of respiratory distress, abdominal distension and petechiae. Abdominal distension worsened progressively, with palpation of a petrous tumor in the right upper quadrant and elimination of white mucus at rectal examination. Radiological findings (01/04/99) were disseminated abdominal calcifications, intestinal dilatation and absence of gas at rectal ampulla. Exploratory laparotomy was indicated with diagnosis of meconium peritonitis. A giant meconium cyst and ileal atresia were observed and lysis of adhesions and ileostomy were performed. Initial postoperative evolution was satisfactory but was subsequently complicated by sepsis and neonatal death occurred (01/09/99). Conclusion: meconium peritonitis should be remembered at differential diagnosis of fetal ascites. In the present case, surgical indication could be anticipated if prenatal diagnosis were established, with improvement of neonatal evolution.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(11):361-366
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001100007
PURPOSE: to compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix with Bishop’s score for the prediction of vaginal delivery after labor induction, with 25 mcg of misoprostol. METHODS: a prospective study for the validation of a diagnostic test was conducted on 126 pregnant women with indication for labor induction. The patients were evaluated by Bishop’s score and transvaginal ultrasonography for cervical measurement. They also undergone obstetric transabdominal ultrasound to evaluate static and fetal weight, as well as the amniotic fluid index, and basal cardiotocography for the evaluation of fetal vitality. Labor was induced with vaginal and sublingual misoprostol, one of the tablets containing 25 mcg of the drug and the other only placebo. The tablets were administered every six hours, with a maximum number of eight. Frequency tables were obtained, and measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated. ROC curves were constructed for the evaluation of Bishop’s score and ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix for the prediction of vaginal delivery. RESULTS: the area under the ROC curve was 0.5 (p=0.8) for the ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix, and 0.6 (p=0.02) for Bishop’s score (cut point ³4). Bishop’s score had a sensitivity of 56.2% and specificity of 67.9% for prediction of vaginal delivery, with a positive likelihood ratio of 1.75 and a negative one of 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix was not a good predictor of evolution to vaginal delivery among patients with misoprostol-induced labor. Bishop’s score was a better predictor of vaginal delivery under these circumstances.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(11):361-366
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001100007
PURPOSE: to compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix with Bishop’s score for the prediction of vaginal delivery after labor induction, with 25 mcg of misoprostol. METHODS: a prospective study for the validation of a diagnostic test was conducted on 126 pregnant women with indication for labor induction. The patients were evaluated by Bishop’s score and transvaginal ultrasonography for cervical measurement. They also undergone obstetric transabdominal ultrasound to evaluate static and fetal weight, as well as the amniotic fluid index, and basal cardiotocography for the evaluation of fetal vitality. Labor was induced with vaginal and sublingual misoprostol, one of the tablets containing 25 mcg of the drug and the other only placebo. The tablets were administered every six hours, with a maximum number of eight. Frequency tables were obtained, and measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated. ROC curves were constructed for the evaluation of Bishop’s score and ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix for the prediction of vaginal delivery. RESULTS: the area under the ROC curve was 0.5 (p=0.8) for the ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix, and 0.6 (p=0.02) for Bishop’s score (cut point ³4). Bishop’s score had a sensitivity of 56.2% and specificity of 67.9% for prediction of vaginal delivery, with a positive likelihood ratio of 1.75 and a negative one of 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix was not a good predictor of evolution to vaginal delivery among patients with misoprostol-induced labor. Bishop’s score was a better predictor of vaginal delivery under these circumstances.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(7):443-448
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000700007
Purpose: to determine the main factors associated with the occurrence of surgical site infection in patients submitted to total abdominal hysterectomy at the Instituto Materno ¾ Infantil de Pernambuco (iMIP). Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling patients submitted to total abdominal hysterectomy at IMIP who returned to postsurgical consultation for infection control, between January, 1995 and December, 1998 (n = 414). The frequency of surgical site infection (defined according to the CDC criteria, 1998) was 10% (42 cases). Prevalence risk (PR) of infection (dependent variable) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for independent variables: age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, malignant pathology, type of incision, duration of surgery and antibiotic prophylaxis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted risk of infection. Results: a significantly increased risk of infection was found for the following variables: age >60 years (PR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.15-4.94), obesity (PR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.83-5.59), duration of surgery >2 hours (PR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.32-4.21) and diabetes (PR = 6.0, 95% CI = 3.41-10.57). On the other hand, risk of infection was significantly reduced when antibiotic prophylaxis was administered (PR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21-0.68). Type of incision, malignant disease and hypertension were not associated with infection. Conclusions: the factors associated with increased risk of surgical site infection after total abdominal hysterectomy at IMIP were: age >60 years, obesity, diabetes and surgical duration >2 hours. Antibiotic prophylaxis showed a protective effect with reduction of risk of infection.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(7):443-448
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000700007
Purpose: to determine the main factors associated with the occurrence of surgical site infection in patients submitted to total abdominal hysterectomy at the Instituto Materno ¾ Infantil de Pernambuco (iMIP). Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling patients submitted to total abdominal hysterectomy at IMIP who returned to postsurgical consultation for infection control, between January, 1995 and December, 1998 (n = 414). The frequency of surgical site infection (defined according to the CDC criteria, 1998) was 10% (42 cases). Prevalence risk (PR) of infection (dependent variable) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for independent variables: age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, malignant pathology, type of incision, duration of surgery and antibiotic prophylaxis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted risk of infection. Results: a significantly increased risk of infection was found for the following variables: age >60 years (PR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.15-4.94), obesity (PR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.83-5.59), duration of surgery >2 hours (PR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.32-4.21) and diabetes (PR = 6.0, 95% CI = 3.41-10.57). On the other hand, risk of infection was significantly reduced when antibiotic prophylaxis was administered (PR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21-0.68). Type of incision, malignant disease and hypertension were not associated with infection. Conclusions: the factors associated with increased risk of surgical site infection after total abdominal hysterectomy at IMIP were: age >60 years, obesity, diabetes and surgical duration >2 hours. Antibiotic prophylaxis showed a protective effect with reduction of risk of infection.