Uterine Wall Partial Thickness Necrosis Following Combined B-Lynch and Cho Square Sutures for the Treatment of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant factor in maternal morbidity and mortality. Successful techniques using compression sutures to control PPH have been described, in some cases using a combination of techniques. We describe a case in which compression sutures to control PPH were complicated by subsequent myometrial necrosis.CaseA healthy 32-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 0, underwent Caesarean section at 41 weeks’ gestation after failure to progress in labour. One B-Lynch plus two Cho sutures were used to control postpartum hemorrhage. During a subsequent pregnancy, a large triangular myometrial defect was identified in the mid-anterior uterine wall and two smaller defects in the posterior wall.ConclusionPatients should be informed about the possible complications of the use of compression sutures and the need to undergo postoperative follow-up to confirm uterine wall integrity. We propose the establishment of a national registry of women who undergo placement of compression sutures, in order to document the efficacy and the long-term and short-term complications of this procedure.     

Parallel vertical compression sutures: a technique to control bleeding from placenta praevia or accreta during caesarean section

Fourteen women with placenta praevia (including one who also had placenta accreta) undergoing caesarean section had massive bleeding after removal of the placenta. In order to preserve the uterus, two parallel vertical compression sutures were placed in the lower segment to compress the anterior and posterior walls of the lower uterine segment. The haemorrhage from the lower segment stopped immediately after the knots were tightened. All women later resumed normal menstrual flow with no apparent complications. Two of the 14 women had a spontaneous pregnancy one to two years after the operation. This parallel vertical compression suturing technique is simple, easy and effective for controlling bleeding in women with placenta praevia or accreta. We suggest that this technique be tried first before other more complex procedures are undertaken.     

The Hayman technique: a simple method to treat postpartum haemorrhage

Of the several uterine compression sutures described in more recent years to treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), the Hayman suture offers the potential advantages that can be applied faster and easier, avoiding the performance of a lower segment hysterotomy when PPH follows a vaginal delivery. Data on efficacy and safety are limited, and long-term follow-up information are lacking. We report our experience with the Hayman suture in 11 consecutive women with massive PPH. Of these, ten were successfully treated without further interventions. One woman ultimately required a hysterectomy. Postoperative course was uncomplicated in all the cases. The median follow-up time was 11 months (range 1-19). One woman conceived spontaneously 10 months after the procedure. Our results suggest that the Hayman suture is an effective and safe treatment for PPH.     

Comparing success rates of the Hayman compression suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world. Medical treatments and uterus-sparing interventions including balloon tamponades and compression sutures are the first line options before the decision is made to perform a hysterectomy. Our aim is to compare the success rates of the Hayman compression suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) in patients with PPH.

Methods: We enrolled 82 patients who were diagnosed with uterine atony during their cesarean sections and failed to respond to uterotonic agents. The patients were treated with either a Hayman suture or a BBT.

Results: The success rates of the both methods were similar (76.7% in the Hayman group and 74.4% in the BBT group). In both groups, the success rate increased with the addition of artery ligations (93% in the Hayman group and 87.2% in the BBT).

Conclusion: The Hayman suture and the BBT’s performances were identical in the management of PPH due to uterine atony. All methods have pros and cons and the choice of the intervention depends on a variety of factors including the severity of bleeding, experience of the surgeon and the accessibility of the tools.     

COMOC-MG Stitch: Modification of B-Lynch Suturing Technique to Control Atonic Post-partum Haemorrhage

The COMOC-MG (Compression Of Myometrium and OCclusion of uterine artery by Dr. Mahesh Gupta), a modified B-Lynch stitch technique, utilized polyglycolic acid double strand suture with 80 mm long straight taper point and 50 mm half circle round bodied needle. Its dual action of causing hemostatic compression as well as reduced uterine blood flow, in managing PPH is exemplified using 3 cases. The COMOC-MG stitch technique was found to be effective, with fewer complications, in controlling post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). One subsequent full-term pregnancy occurred after 6 years of this surgery. The COMOC-MG stitch technique is a valuable and safe alternative to B-Lynch or other modified B-Lynch suturing techniques for successful management of atonic PPH, while preserving fertility.     

Modified anchored B-Lynch uterine compression suture for post partum bleeding with uterine atony

A prospective observational study was performed to evaluate the performance of a modified uterine compression suturing technique for the management of refractory post partum hemorrhage (PPH) at two leading tertiary referral centers in Colombo, Sri Lanka. An modified anchored B-Lynch suture was done in 17 women with PPH due to uterine atony. In 13 of the women (76%), bleeding was arrested and the uterus conserved. Four women (24%) did not respond to the anchored compression sutures, necessitating emergency post partum hysterectomy. Mean age was 31.2 years. Nine of the women (53%) were primiparous and eight (47%) parous. Mean estimated blood loss was 1994 ml (range 1200-3300 ml). This newly modified anchor B-Lynch compression suture appeared effective in controlling about 75% of PPH due to uterine atony, which allowed uterine conservation. This simple modification can provide a first line surgical step to control PPH.     

Raised nitric oxide levels may cause atonic postpartum hemorrhage in women with anemia during pregnancy

ObjectiveTo determine the association of hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma nitrite (PN) concentrations on admission to the delivery ward with the occurrence of atonic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).MethodsOf 319 women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dayrout General Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, for delivery in July 2010, 200, who were not considered to be at risk of atonic PPH, were eligible for inclusion. Plasma levels of Hb and nitrite were measured on admission. The third stage of labor was actively managed.ResultsA total of 22 participants had significantly raised PN levels (P < 0.001), 12 of whom developed PPH—with Hb levels of 9 g/dL or less and nitric oxide (NO) levels of 180 μM/L or greater. The other 10 women underwent over 6 hours of stressful labor prior to hospital admission.ConclusionEven moderate anemia can raise levels of NO and enhance its biologic effects, which in turn can result in uterine muscle relaxation and atonic PPH. Preventing or treating anemia during pregnancy could avoid these complications.     

Use of carbetocin in prevention of uterine atony during cesarean section. Comparison with oxytocin

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of carbetocin versus oxytocin, during delivery in patients undergoing a caesarian section.Patients and methodsA two phase observational study (before/after design) was conducted. Use of carbetocin was considered as a sentinel event. Data for 155 women who received carbetocin during a caesarian section were compared with 155 patients who received oxytocin. The main parameter evaluated was the need for haemostatic surgical techniques (vascular sutures, uterine compression sutures, emergent hysterectomy) during caesarian section.ResultsBoth populations were comparable, particularly concerning risk factors of postpartum haemorrhage. In the carbetocin group, there was fewer compression sutures during caesarian section (0.6% versus 4.5%, P = 0.06), as well as a significant decrease in postoperative intravenous iron administration (6.5% versus 14.5%, P = 0.03). Vascular sutures, frequencies of prostaglandin intravenous injections, and blood transfusions during caesarian section were similar in both populations. There wasn’t any emergent hysterectomy during the time of this study.Discussion and conclusionPrevention of uterine atony during a caesarian section with carbetocin seems to be as effective as oxytocin. Particularly, decreasing rate of surgical compression sutures with use of carbetocin is not significant, and prospective studies with more patients are necessary to confirm these results.     

Postpartum Hemorrhage in a Jehovah’s Witness Patient Controlled With Tisseel,Tranexamic Acid,and Recombinant Factor VIIa

BackgroundThe management of a patient refusing blood transfusion who subsequently experiences a severe postpartum hemorrhage is a particular clinical challenge.Case: A 30-year-old nulliparous patient (who was a Jehovah’s Witness) had labour induced for post-dates at 41+4 weeks’ gestational age after an uncomplicated pregnancy. She delivered by Caesarean section for dystocia and suspected chorioamnionitis, and subsequently developed postpartum hemorrhage that required management with oxytocin, ergometrine, carboprost, uterine artery ligation, and Hayman compression sutures. The patient ultimately required two additional visits to the operating room, culminating in hysterectomy. Use of tranexamic acid, recombinant factor VIIa, and Tisseel was instrumental in halting the ongoing hemorrhage.ConclusionOptimal management of a patient refusing administration of blood products requires a multidisciplinary approach as well as a combination of traditional and novel therapies.     

A new uterine compression suture for postpartum haemorrhage with atony

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of worldwide maternal mortality and is still associated with significant morbidity. After the B-Lynch suture was reported in 1997, several different uterine compression sutures were found to be successful in controlling PPH. In this paper, we describe another simple variation of the uterine compression suture technique, which was performed without an incision in the uterine wall, without entering the uterine cavity and without suturing the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus together, so minimising the trauma to the uterus. This new uterine compression suture is an effective and safe surgical treatment for PPH caused by atony. It has the potential to apply to intractable PPH after vaginal delivery.     

Bakri balloon versus condom-loaded Foley’s catheter for treatment of atonic postpartum hemorrhage secondary to vaginal delivery: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of condom-loaded Foley’s catheter versus Bakri Balloon in the management of primary atonic post partum hemorrhage (PPH) secondary to vaginal delivery.

Study design: This study was single blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at Assiut Woman’s Health Hospital, Egypt in the period between October 2014 and December 2015. It Comprised 66 women with primary atonic PPH following vaginal delivery. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to Bakri balloon (group A) or condom-loaded Foley’s catheter (group B). The primary outcome was the success of tamponade to stop the uterine bleeding without additional surgical interventions. Secondary outcomes included time between insertion and stoppage of the bleeding, the amount of blood transfusion and maternal complications.

Results: Both treatment modalities successfully controlled the primary atonic PPH without a statistically significant difference [30/33(91.0%) and 28/33(84.84%), p?=?.199; respectively]. However; Bakri balloon required shorter time to stop the uterine bleeding (9.09?min vs. 11.76?min, p?=?.042; respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding postpartum maternal complications, the vital signs, urine output, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels from before to after tamponade insertion.

Conclusions: Condom-loaded Foley’s catheter is as effective as Bakri balloon in the management of primary atonic PPH following vaginal delivery but requires a significant bit longer time to stop the attack.     

Parallel vertical compression sutures to control bleeding in cases of placenta previa and accreta

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of full-thickness vertical compression suture and intrauterine catheter in cases with placenta previa/accreta.

Study design: This study was conducted on Obstetrics and Gynecology emergency unit of Sohag University Hospital. Two longitudinal parallel full-thickness suture was taken using delayed absorbable suture (No. 2 Vicryl…) the entry of needle through anterior wall of lower uterine segment just above the internal os 2–3?cm medial to lateral aspect of lower uterine segment then completely piercing the posterior wall and then return from posterior wall to anterior wall 1–2?cm below incision line of the uterus. Another suture was taken in other side in the same manner. The Foley’s catheter was inserted through the incision line into the cervix and balloon was inflated by 20–30?cc saline.

Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight cases were included in the research. There were 107 cases without significant bleeding from lower uterine segment and no maneuver was needed. The remaining 171 cases were managed by vertical compression suture and intrauterine Foley’s catheter which was successful in 168 cases (98.2%) to stop the bleeding. Only three cases cesarean total hysterectomy was needed.

Conclusions: Vertical lateral compression sutures with inserting inflated balloon of Foley’s catheter is an effective method for controlling bleeding in cases of placenta previa/accreta.     

Transverse parallel compression suture: a new suturing method for successful treating pernicious placenta previa during cesarean section

To report a novel method to achieve hemostasis and to evaluate efficacy and safety of controlling hemorrhage from the lower uterine segment (LUS) during cesarean section for placenta previa and accrete compared with conventional surgery. From January 2017 to June 2019, there were 65 cases of pernicious placenta previa admitted in our obstetric department. They all had performed selective cesarean sections. Transverse parallel compression suture was applied in 32 cases during cesarean sections. The bladder was reflected downward till the lowest point of placenta implanted. Two plastic drains were inserted into internal and through the external os, as a support for compressing and draining the uterine cavity. First, at one side of LUS, a Vicryl number one stitch was inserted borderline of myometrium from the anterior to the posterior. The stitch was then inserted borderline of myometrium from the posterior to anterior at the other side in horizontal direction and tightened on the anterior wall of uterine surface. Another suture was inserted superiorly or inferiorly to the first one, at 1 cm interval. Then, such sutures were stitched until the bleeding and dilated LUS became all compressed. The uterine incision was then stitched [group 1 (Gr1)]. Other 33 cases were managed with conventional surgery [group 2 (Gr2)]. The efficiency of this novel technique, in term of blood loss, operation time, the intensive-care unit (ICU) admission rate and hospitalization time after surgery, complications, and postoperative recovery, was compared over the same period. With our transverse parallel compression suture, we were able to preserve the uterus in all cases, while two patients underwent hysterectomy in Gr2. Our success rate in hemostasis was 93.8% (30/32). The operation time, the length of ICU stay, and the rate of ICU admission of Gr1 were lower than Gr2. All patients resumed a normal menstrual flow, and no long-term complications were observed during follow-up. Transverse parallel compression suture is an easy, effective, and safe method to stop bleeding from the lower uterine segment in women with placenta previa and accrete.     

Use of second-line therapies for management of massive primary postpartum hemorrhage

Objective

To determine rates of use and success of second-line therapies for massive primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 91 women who gave birth at Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011. Inclusion criteria were gestational age of at least 24 weeks and massive PPH (defined as blood loss ≥ 1500 mL within 24 hours after birth). Second-line therapies assessed were uterine compression sutures, uterine artery embolization, and balloon tamponade after failure of uterine massage and uterotonic agents to stop bleeding.

Results

The rate of massive PPH was 2.65 per 1000 births. Second-line therapies were used among 42 women with PPH, equivalent to a rate of 1.23 per 1000 births. Only 21.4% of the women who received second-line therapies required rescue hysterectomy. A rising trend was observed for the use of second-line therapies, whereas the incidence of rescue hysterectomy and estimated blood loss were found to concomitantly decrease.

Conclusion

Increasing use of second-line therapies among women with massive PPH was associated with a decreasing trend for rescue hysterectomy. Obstetricians should, therefore, consider all available interventions to stop PPH, including early use of second-line options.     

Circular isthmic-cervical sutures can be an alternative method to control peripartum haemorrhage during caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta

Objective  To study the control of peripartum bleeding in cases of caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta with the Circular isthmic-cervical sutures. Method  Circular isthmic-cervical sutures were applied in six cases. To avoid ureter and bladder injury, the bladder was reflected downward. A silastic drain was inserted into internal and through the external os, so as to drain the uterine cavity and to keep the cervical canal open. Firstly, at the left side of the uterus, a Vicryl number two (No.^.2) stitch was inserted very close to the cervix from the anterior to the posterior side of the broad ligament. The stitch was then passed posteriorly to the right side of the uterus. The needle then was inserted again very close to the cervix from the posterior to the anterior wall of the broad ligament and was tightened on the anterior uterine surface, above the reflexion of the bladder as tightly as possible. Result  Circular isthmic-cervical sutures were effective in all cases. Conclusion  Circular isthmic-cervical suture is a quick, safe, simple and effective technique for controlling peripartum haemorrhage during caesarean section for placenta praevia accreta.     

Uterine packing versus Foley’s catheter for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage secondary to bleeding tendency in low-resource setting: A four-year observational study

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of uterine packing versus Foley’s catheter tamponade for controlling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) secondary to bleeding tendency after vaginal delivery.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on 92 patients with primary PPH due to bleeding tendency following vaginal delivery who were unresponsive to uterotonics and bimanual compression of the uterus. Patients were divided into two groups, Uterine packing group (n?=?45) and Foley catheter group (n?=?47). The primary outcome was the success rate of the procedure. Secondary outcome addressed the maternal complications.

Results: The use of uterine packing resulted in stoppage of active bleeding in 93.3% of cases compared to only 68.1% in the Foley’s catheter group (p?p?>?0.05). Six cases who failed to Foley catheter tamponade underwent emergency hysterectomy with no cases in the uterine packing group.

Conclusions: The use of uterine packing to arrest PPH is simple, quick and safe procedure to avoid further surgical interventions and to preserve the fertility in low-resource setting.     

Combination of B-lynch and modified Cho sutures for postpartum hemorrhage caused by low-lying placenta and placenta accreta

Many types of uterine packing are attempted to control PPH, including B-Lynch suture, Cho's suture, and so on. A female PPH caused by a low-lying placenta and placenta accreta did not respond to bimanual compression massage, administration of oxytocin and prostaglandins. A combination of B-Lynch with a modified Cho suture were tried to manage the PPH and succeeded. Combining sutures of B-Lynch with a modified Cho suture not only effectively manage PPH but also conserve the uterus, and avoid infection or adhesions of the endometria and empyema in the cavity of uterus.     

蛋白激酶Cα、β及Rho激酶对宫缩乏力性产后出血产妇子宫平滑肌收缩功能影响研究

目的探讨蛋白激酶C(PKC)α和PKCβ特异性抑制剂Go6976、PKCβ特异性抑制剂LY333531和Rho激酶特异性抑制剂Y-27632对宫缩乏力性产后出血产妇子宫平滑肌收缩的抑制作用。方法 2010年11月至2011年12月于福建省妇幼保健院选择剖宫产分娩的初产妇60例,分宫缩乏力性产后出血组(病例组,n=30)和宫缩良好无产后出血组(对照组,n=30)。采用肌条等长张力测定方法检测两组产妇子宫下段平滑肌分别在Go6976、LY333531和Y-27632作用下自发性收缩功能变化及病例组在LY333531、Y-27632作用下梯度浓度缩宫素诱导的收缩潜能变化。结果 Go6976、LY333531和Y-27632均显著抑制两组产妇子宫平滑肌收缩幅度及活动力(均P0.05);对病例组抑制作用均小于对照组(均P0.05),而对两组的收缩频率无影响(P0.05)。LY333531和Y-27632均可显著降低病例组收缩潜能(P0.05)。结论 PKCα、PKCβ和Rho激酶影响子宫平滑肌收缩,可能参与宫缩乏力性产后出血的发生。     

A Case Series of Patients with Large Uterine Fibroids and Venous Thromboembolisms

ObjectiveThe purpose of this case series is to identify the clinical characteristics of women with uterine fibroids who developed venous thromboembolisms (VTE) and possible risk factors for the development of VTE in this group.Data SourcesWe conducted a systematic search of the Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases to retrieve case reports and case series that describe women with an enlarged uterus and VTE. The databases were searched up to August 2019.Study SelectionA total of 1485 articles were identified by a librarian. All case series and case reports that reported uterine weight and size of the fibroids were included.Data Extraction and SynthesisA total of 27 articles were included, describing 35 patients who developed VTE in the presence of uterine fibroids. On average, the uterus measured 22.9 ± 5.0 weeks gestational age and occupied a volume of 2715 cm³ (interquartile range 1296.3–3878.8) on imaging. Two-thirds (60%) of VTEs occurred on the left side, and 87% showed signs of venous compression on imaging. Most patients (89%) required surgical management to relieve the compression caused by the enlarged uterus.ConclusionVTE in cases of large uterine leiomyomas can be associated with mechanical compression, which requires surgical management to relieve compression. There is an obvious increased risk of VTE in patients with venous stasis secondary to uterine compression; however, there is no current evidence evaluating the use of anticoagulation in such patients. Further research is required to determine the role of prophylactic anticoagulation in reducing the risk of VTE in high-risk patients with large uterine fibroids.