Type, Complications and Treatment of Abortion in a Tertiary Hospital

Background: Abortion remains a critical public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh, where access to safe abortion services is often restricted. This study aimed to analyze the types of abortions, treatment methods, and post-abortion complications in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2017, including 100 cases of abortion at a 250-bed district hospital in Joypurhat, Bangladesh. Data were collected from patient records, focusing on demographic characteristics, type and nature of abortion, treatment methods, and complications. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The majority of patients (42%) were aged 26–30 years, and 58% were primigravida. Most abortions (75%) occurred before 13 weeks of gestation, with incomplete abortions accounting for 86% of cases. Spontaneous abortions constituted 86%, and D&C was the primary treatment method in 83% of cases. Post-abortion complications were infrequent, with incomplete D&C (8%), shock (6%), and septicemia (3%) being the most common. Conclusion: Incomplete abortions and spontaneous abortions are the most common types observed, with D&C being the predominant treatment method. Although complications were low, the findings underscore the need for better access to safe abortion methods, including medical abortion, and the reduction of unsafe practices through improved healthcare education and policy reform.