Background & Objective : When a cesarean is necessary, it can be a life-saving technique for both mother and infant. In recent twenty years, the cesarean childbirth rate has increased dramatically. Moreover a cesarean costs nearly twice as much as a vaginal birth. The world Health organization states that a cesarean rate greater than 10-15% cannot be justified. The aim of this study was to determine the cesarean rates and its indications in social security hospital of Ardabil.

 Methods: In this cross-sectional study was conducted all of the deliveries (both cesarean and normal delivery) in Ardabil social security hospital were investigated using a questionnaire including the characteristics of indication. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

  Results : 45.4% of the deliveries were done using cesarean and 54.6% of them with a normal procedure. 55.8% of all the cesareans had an accepted indication. 44.2% of cesareans were controversial or elective, 22.7% were repeated cesarean, 8.4% were breech presentation and 2.3% were golden baby and 10.8% of the cesareans did not have a clear indication.

 Conclusions: The cesarean section rates in this study were higher than world rates. As a result the rising cesarean birth rate must be stopped and reversed with health interventions.

 Background & Objectives: Hysterectomy is the most common surgery among nonpregnant women. A review of indications of hysterectomy can provide the specialists with new insights about these patients’ treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the indications and methods of hysterectomy in patients referring to Alavi hospital.

 Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Alavi hospital for two years (2002-2003). The data from 257 hysterectomized patients collected through interview and studying their records were entered into previously-designed questionnaires. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS software.

 Results: The number of hysterectomies decreased 38.4% in 2003 compared to 2002. The mean age of patients was 45.8±8.09. The most common indication of hysterectomy was lyomyoma in 42.2% of cases. Abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal method were done in 93% and 7% of the cases respectively. In patients who were operated for pregnancy and delivery complications, the most common indication for hysterectomy was placenta increta (50%). The most common complication was hyperpyrexia (25.7%). The prevalence of complications of abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal method was 26.3% and 16.6% respectively.

 Conclusion: Lyomyoma is the most common indication of hysterectomy in patients referring to Alavi hospital. Besides, abdominal operation is the most prevalent method of hysterectomy in this hospital. Complications of vaginal method are less than those of abdominal method.