Four Surgical Strategies for the Treatment of Cesarean Scar Defect: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis network meta-analysis compared treatment via laparoscopy, hysteroscopy (HP), combined laparoscopy with HP (LH), and vaginal repair (VR) for reducing intermittent abnormal uterine bleeding and cesarean scar defect (CSD) diverticulum depth in patients with CSD.Data SourcesElectronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Integrated) were searched for articles published through June 13, 2018.Methods of Study SelectionThe search included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of surgical treatment for CSD. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. RCTs were evaluated by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, observational studies by Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Intervention, and overall evidence quality by grade. Data were analyzed by STATA (version 15.0; StataCorp, College Station, TX) and R software for windows (version 3.5.0; R Core Team, 2018).Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsTen studies (n = 858; 4 RCTs and 6 observational studies) were included. Patients who underwent uterine diverticulum resection by LH had a shorter duration of abnormal uterine bleeding than those by HP (SMD = 1.36, 95% CI, 0.37–2.36; p = .007) and VR (SMD = 1.58, 95% CI, 0.97–2.19; p <.0001). LH reduced the CSD diverticulum depth more than VR (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI, 0.54–2.61; p = .003). There was no significant difference in efficacy among the surgical procedures.ConclusionLH reduced intermittent abnormal uterine bleeding and scar depth more than the other surgical interventions. Larger clinical trials are warranted to verify this analysis.     

Sonographic Lower Uterine Segment Thickness and Risk of Uterine Scar Defect: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo study the diagnostic accuracy of sonographic measurements of the lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness near term in predicting uterine scar defects in women with prior Caesarean section (CS).Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (1965–2009).Methods of Study SelectionStudies of populations of women with previous low transverse CS who underwent third-trimester evaluation of LUS thickness were selected. We retrieved articles in which number of patients, sensitivity, and specificity to predict a uterine scar defect were available.Data SynthesisTwelve eligible studies including 1834 women were identified. Uterine scar defect was reported in a total of 121 cases (6.6%). Seven studies examined the full LUS thickness only, four examined the myometrial layer specifically, and one examined both measurements. Weighted mean differences in LUS thickness and associated 95% confidence intervals between women with and without uterine scar defect were calculated. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis and summary diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were used to evaluate and compare the area under the curve (AUC) and the association between LUS thickness and uterine scar defect. Women with a uterine scar defect had thinner full LUS and thinner myometrial layer (weighted mean difference of 0.98 mm; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.59, P = 0.002; and 1.13 mm; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.94 mm, P = 0.006, respectively). SROC analysis showed a stronger association between full LUS thickness and uterine scar defect (AUC: 0.84 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) than between myometrial layer and scar defect (AUC: 0.75 ± 0.05, P < 0.01). The optimal cut-off value varied from 2.0 to 3.5 mm for full LUS thickness and from 1.4 to 2.0 for myometrial layer.ConclusionSonographic LUS thickness is a strong predictor for uterine scar defect in women with prior Caesarean section. However, because of the heterogeneity of the studies we analyzed, no ideal cut-off value can yet be recommended, which underlines the need for more standardized measurement techniques in future studies.     

剖宫产瘢痕憩室腹腔镜手术治疗

剖宫产瘢痕憩室(cesarean scar defect,CSD)是剖宫产术后远期并发症之一,通常由于憩室内经血引流不畅出现相应的临床症状,同时易导致继发性不孕、瘢痕妊娠、子宫破裂等。经阴道超声、宫腔声学造影术、宫腔镜检查等可作为CSD的辅助诊断方法。CSD通常选择手术治疗,包括宫腔镜手术、阴式手术及腹腔镜手术。腹腔镜下瘢痕憩室修复术能从根本上解决子宫下段肌层薄弱问题,改善临床症状,提高生育力,降低远期妊娠子宫破裂等不良结局风险。     

Clinical Success Rate of Extensive Hysteroscopic Cesarean Scar Defect Excision and Correlation to Histologic Findings

Study ObjectiveCesarean scar defect (CSD) is often associated with postmenstrual bleeding, infertility, and pain. Hysteroscopic CSD repair was described in the past, mainly as excision of the proximal edge of the defect to allow continuous blood flow during menstruation. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extensive hysteroscopic cesarean scar niche excision in symptomatic patients.DesignA retrospective cohort study.PatientsSymptomatic patients treated with hysteroscopic CSD excision who were considered eligible for the procedure when myometrial thickness of 2 mm or more was observed on sonohysterography.SettingTertiary referral center.InterventionsExtensive CSD excision was performed using a cutting loop and pure cutting current. The proximal and distal edges of the defect were resected. This was followed by resection of tissue at the base of the niche, until underling muscular tissue was evident. Tissue sampled from the base of the CSD was collected for histologic examination. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after hysteroscopic CSD excision. Clinical information obtained included detailed obstetric history and preoperative and postoperative menstruation pattern.Measurements and Main ResultsBetween 2011 and 2016, 95 patients underwent extensive hysteroscopic niche excision; 67 were included in the study, whereas the remaining were lost to follow-up. Patient mean age at the time of the procedure was 38 ± 5.5 years. Twenty-nine patients (43%) had a history of high-order repeat cesarean surgeries. Sixty-six patients (98.5%) presented with postmenstrual bleeding, 26 with secondary infertility (38.8%), and 2 with pelvic pain (2.9%). After hysteroscopic niche excision, 63.4% of patients reported significant improvement or resolution of postmenstrual bleeding. A statistically significant reduction in number of bleeding days per cycle (15.5 ± 4.8 vs 9.8 ± 4.7, p < .001) was also noted. Histologic evidence for myometrial tissue within the obtained samples was associated with better outcomes. A histologic specimen from patients who experienced significant improvement or resolution of postmenstrual bleeding was more likely to reveal myometrial tissue (p = .04). Of the 26 patients who suffered from infertility, 19 attempted to conceive spontaneously after CSD excision. Of those, 10 patients (52.6%) conceived and 9 delivered at least once (47.36%).ConclusionExtensive hysteroscopic surgical excision of cesarean scar niche should be considered in symptomatic patients suffering from irregular menstrual bleeding. The quality of the excision at the apex of the niche could be associated with a higher success rate. The role of niche excision to overcome secondary infertility should be further evaluated.     

Transvaginal surgical treatment of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of surgical management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP) using a transvaginal approach.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with CSEP presenting at the Shenzhen Nanshan People’s hospital between January 2008 and May 2012 were reviewed in the study. Ten patients underwent uterine artery embolization, 13 patients underwent endoscopic CSEP removal in combination with chemotherapy and 15 received transvaginal surgical therapy (transvaginal group). Patients were followed up for between 3 and 48 months.

Results

Postoperative fever and irregular menstrual bleeding after healing were each observed in one of ten patients undergoing embolization. No pregnancies were reported in this group during follow-up. Endoscopy procedures included two patients undergoing laparoscopy and 11 undergoing hysteroscopy resection. There were six pregnancies during follow-up in this group. Transvaginal surgery was performed uneventfully in all cases. All patients recovered without complications. There were no reports of irregular menstrual bleeding or changes in menstrual blood volume. Serum HCG levels declined rapidly to within the normal range. The time to menstrual cycle recovery (29.2 ± 5.7 days) was significantly shorter than with endoscopic surgery (37.6 ± 8.2 days) or embolization (64.4 ± 9.2 days; P < 0.05). Three patients became pregnant after transvaginal surgery.

Conclusion

Transvaginal removal of ectopic pregnancy tissue is a new surgical approach for the treatment of CSEP. The efficacy and safety of the approach needs further confirmation.     

Temporary Bilateral Uterine Artery Occlusion Combined With Vasopressin in Control of Hemorrhage During Laparoscopic Management of Cesarean Scar Pregnancies

Study ObjectiveTo describe temporary bilateral uterine artery occlusion with titanium clips in combination with vasopressin as an effective surgical intervention to control hemorrhage during laparoscopic management of cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs).DesignRetrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification III).SettingUniversity hospital in an obstetrics and gynecology department.InterventionsFive patients with CSPs underwent removal of gestational ectopic masses via laparoscopy. At the beginning of the procedure, all 5 women had temporary bilateral uterine artery occlusion with titanium clips, and vasopressin 6 U was injected into the myometrium.Measurements and Main ResultsClinical data, serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, operative times, and operative blood loss levels were recorded. The mean gestational age at the time of CSP diagnosis was 9.2 ± 1.9 weeks. The mean serum β-hCG level on the day of surgery was 14262 ± 12870 IU/L. The mean operative time was 86 ± 21.6 minutes, the mean uterine artery occlusion time was 58 ± 13.8 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 144 ± 79.6 mL. No cases were converted to laparotomy, no blood transfusions were required, and there were no complications.ConclusionsLaparoscopy combined with titanium clip occlusion of the uterine arteries bilaterally with vasopressin injection is an effective, minimally invasive procedure to preserve the uterus in patients with a CSP.     

有生育要求的剖宫产瘢痕憩室患者的临床管理

剖宫产瘢痕憩室（cesarean scar diverticulum,CSD）作为剖宫产术后并发症之一,是由于剖宫产子宫切口瘢痕愈合不良所致。CSD主要的临床表现包括异常子宫出血、盆腔痛和继发性不孕等。CSD患者再妊娠时可能发生瘢痕妊娠、胎盘植入和子宫破裂等严重并发症。CSD的治疗方式众多,对于无明显临床症状的无生育要求、憩室较小的CSD患者,可选择保守治疗,如宫内缓释系统、避孕药和中药等。而手术治疗作为治疗CSD的主要手段,主要用于改善患者的临床症状、降低CSD合并继发不孕及复发性流产的发生风险。目前对于有生育要求的CSD患者,妊娠前是否需要治疗、治疗方式、妊娠时机及分娩方式等尚无统一意见。     

Predictive value of striae gravidarum severity for intraperitoneal adhesions or uterine scar healing in patients with previous caesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: Previous abdominal operations might cause severe intraperitoneal adhesions (IPA), which can complicate caesarean section (CS) procedures. When selecting the mode and timing of delivery, obstetricians are also curious about uterine scar healing if the previous operation was a CS. Uterine scar thickness is an indicator of uterine scar healing. We aimed to evaluate the possible predictive value of striae gravidarum (SG) on IPA formation and uterine scar thickness (UST).

Methods: Fifty-five women with a previous CS history were evaluated for SG Davey Score. They were investigated for IPAs and lower segment uterine scar thickness during the current CS operation.

Results: Out of the patients with no SG (n?=?11), mild SG (n?=?10) and severe SG (n?=?34), 1 (9.1%), 3 (30%) and 17 (50%) had IPA, respectively (p?=?0.044). The mean uterine scar thicknesses in the no SG, mild SG and severe SG groups were 3.82?±?4.04, 5.20?±?4.13 and 5.18?±?3.52, respectively (p?=?0.561).

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the relationship between SG and IPA and uterine scar thickness. The SG status of a patient with a previous delivery and abdominal operation history might help predict IPA status before planning a new operation.     

剖宫产瘢痕憩室的形成机制及诊断

剖宫产瘢痕憩室（CSD）是剖宫产术后的一个远期并发症。随着剖宫产率持续上升,CSD的发生率随之升高。部分患者因此出现异常子宫出血或剖宫产瘢痕妊娠,甚至发生大出血、孕期子宫破裂、凶险性前置胎盘等严重并发症危及母胎安全。CSD发病机制尚不明确,发生率也无确切数据。CSD的诊断目前国际上仍未形成统一定论。主要是根据病史,临床表现及辅助检查进行临床诊断。影像学检查以及宫腔镜检查已经成为临床上主要的诊断方法与确诊手段。     

Direct Methotrexate Injection into the Gestational Sac for Nontubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Review of Efficacy and Outcomes from a Single Institution

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of nontubal ectopic pregnancy (NTEP) management with direct methotrexate (MTX) injection into the gestational sac.DesignA retrospective chart review.SettingA tertiary academic and teaching hospital.PatientsAll cases of confirmed NTEP were retrospectively identified from 2012 to 2017.InterventionsUltrasound-guided direct injection of MTX into the fetal pole and surrounding gestational sac and a single dose of systemic MTX with or without fetal intracardiac injection of potassium chloride.Measurements and Main ResultsTreatment failure, complications from treatment, operating time, and days to negative serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after treatment were measured. Fourteen women (age 34 ± 5.2 years) with NTEP underwent direct MTX injection (cesarean scar, n = 4; interstitial, n = 6; cervical, n = 4). The mean estimated gestational age was 49 ± 11, CI (43, 56 days). One patient required laparoscopic intervention with a failure rate of 1 of 14 (a double interstitial, heterotopic pregnancy). There were no other major complications. The time in the operating room was similar for all NTEP types. The average time to negative serum hCG was not different for cesarean scar (84.5 ± 36 days), cervical pregnancies (70.5 ± 19 days), or interstitial pregnancies (45.3 ± 38 days, p = .15).ConclusionDirect MTX injection into the gestational sac for NTEP treatment is safe and effective. The failure rate of 7% is considerably lower than what was previously reported for a failure of systemic MTX in similar cases (25%). Resolution of serum hCG after treatment can be quite prolonged even in uncomplicated cases.     

剖宫产子宫切口瘢痕缺陷的宫腔镜手术治疗

剖宫产瘢痕憩室(CSD)是剖宫产术后远期并发症之一,CSD实际上是剖宫产子宫切口愈合不良所致,其形成的原因比较复杂。关于CSD有不少认识上的误区,对于没有症状的CSD一般不需要治疗,对于有症状的CSD如何治疗在认识上也比较混乱,如何选择合适的治疗方式不仅关系到医务人员对于CSD的认识也直接影响了CSD的治疗效果。有一种特殊类型的CSD是切口瘢痕下缘存在活瓣作用且由于活瓣作用而阻止了憩室内的经血顺利流出而出现症状(常见为经期延长),同时憩室内的异位子宫内膜也可能与宫腔内在位的内膜生长不同步也导致异常阴道流血,这种特殊的CSD学术界有个专业的名称即剖宫产子宫切口瘢痕缺陷(PCSD)。对于残余子宫壁肌层不是很薄的PCSD,可以采用宫腔镜手术切除活瓣并电凝破坏憩室内异位子宫内膜的治疗方法。而对于没有PCSD特点的CSD,宫腔镜手术的疗效较差,一般不采用宫腔镜手术治疗。文章将深入阐述PCSD的宫腔镜手术治疗的相关问题。     

改良式宫腹腔镜联合手术在剖宫产切口憩室修补中的疗效观察

目的:探讨改良式宫腹腔镜联合手术在剖宫产切口憩室修补中的疗效。方法:首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院妇科微创中心于2017年10月—2018年10月期间对经超声联合宫腔镜检查明确诊断为剖宫产子宫切口憩室且憩室底部浆肌层厚度≤2mm的21例有再生育要求患者实施改良式宫腹腔镜联合憩室修补术,随访其术后月经恢复及憩室肌层厚度改善情况。结果:全部患者手术顺利,无手术并发症、中转开腹及输血。21例患者月经复潮后门诊随访6~14个月,术后经期较术前明显缩短[(6.0±1.2)dvs.(11.2±3.5)d,t=10.79,P=0.00],术后3个月行经阴道超声测量子宫下段憩室肌层厚度较术前明显增厚[(3.25±0.95)mmvs.(1.59±0.30)mm,t=8.00,P=0.00]。结论:改良式宫腹腔镜联合手术通过透光定位、配合使用举宫器及宫颈管扩宫棒能够准确定位憩室并充分去除瘢痕,良好对合缝合切口,恢复子宫下段解剖结构,安全有效,值得临床推广应用。     

Vaginal Repair of Cesarean Section Scar Diverticula Diagnosed in Non-pregnant Women

Study Objective

Cesarean section scar diverticulum (CSD) lead to many long-term complications. CSD is more prevalent in patients with a retroflexed uterus than in those with an anteflexed uterus. Therefore, we wanted to estimate the association between flexion of the uterus and the outcome of treatment for CSD treated by vaginal repair.

Is Hysteroscopy a Good Option to Manage Severe Cesarean Scar Defect?

Study ObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of hysteroscopic management in women with a severe or nonsevere symptomatic cesarean scar defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm vs >3-mm, respectively).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingGynecology department of a teaching hospital.PatientsSeventy-one women with an operative hysteroscopy for a symptomatic defect (49 with severe defects and 22 with nonsevere ones).InterventionsOperative hysteroscopy for cesarean scar defect in women with a severe defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm) and with nonsevere defect (residual myometrium >3-mm).MeasurementsThe main objective was to compare success rates between the 2 groups. The secondary objectives were the comparisons of (1) the number of women who required more than 1 procedure, (2) the rate of complications, (3) the number of subsequent pregnancies, and (4) the evolution of residual myometrium thickness between the groups.Main ResultsThe success rates were not significantly different between the groups (73.5% in the severe group and 63.6% in the nonsevere group [p = .40]). The number of women requiring more than 1 procedure was also similar, as were the rate of complications and the mean increase of myometrium thickness. The rate of subsequent pregnancies in women who were infertile was significantly higher in women with a severe defect (p = .04).ConclusionThe hysteroscopic approach seems to be a good way to manage cesarean scar defects even when the residual myometrium is thin. A prospective study is, however, necessary to confirm these findings.     

剖宫产切口愈合不良的治疗方法

剖宫产切口愈合不良亦称剖宫产切口憩室（previous cesarean scar defect,PCSD）,是剖宫产术后远期并发症之一,可以引起经期延长、不孕、瘢痕妊娠等临床表现,发病率有增高趋势。常用的辅助检查为经阴道超声或盐水灌注宫腔声学造影。治疗方法以微创手术为主,包括宫腔镜、腹腔镜、阴式手术。宫腔镜是最微创的手术方式,通过电切憩室周边的瘢痕组织利于憩室内经血引流,同时电凝憩室内膜组织减少不规则出血,还可改善子宫内膜环境有利于妊娠,但因有电损伤及子宫穿孔等风险,适合于残余肌层大于2 mm的患者,术后妊娠者需要按照子宫破裂高危人群进行管理。而对于瘢痕憩室处子宫肌壁厚度＜2 mm的患者建议采用腹腔镜手术或经阴道手术,通过切除瘢痕憩室后再次缝合,可有效改善症状。     

Robotic or laparoscopic treatment of cesarean scar defects or cesarean scar pregnancies with a uterine sound guidance

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of robotic/laparoscopic repair of cesarean scar defects or cesarean scar pregnancies with a uterine sound.Materials and methodsAll consecutive women with cesarean scar defects or cesarean scar pregnancies who underwent robotic/laparoscopic repair with a bent uterine sound guidance were reviewed. Subjective changes in symptoms and objective changes in the depth and width of cesarean scar defects after surgery were reviewed.ResultsA total of 20 women underwent robotic (n = 3) or conventional laparoscopic (n = 17) repair of cesarean scar defects, which included postmenstrual vaginal bleeding associated with cesarean scar defects (n = 15), cesarean scar pregnancies (n = 3), accumulated pus in the cesarean scar defect (n = 1) and an incomplete abortion incarcerated in the cesarean scar defect (n = 1). Bladder perforation occurred in one woman during robotic adhesiolysis. All women with cesarean scar defects (n = 15) reported an improvement in postmenstrual vaginal bleeding after surgery. Follow-up sonography showed a decrease in the depth and width of the cesarean scar defect and an increase in the residual myometrial thickness.ConclusionRobotic or laparoscopic repair with a uterine sound guidance seems to be a feasible and effective method in the treatment of cesarean scar defect or cesarean scar pregnancy.     

Vaginal repair of cesarean section scar diverticula

Study ObjectiveTo introduce a new vaginal surgery for repair of cesarean scar diverticula and to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment for correcting the anatomic defect and eliminating abnormal uterine bleeding.DesignRetrospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).SettingUniversity-affiliated hospital.PatientsData for 42 patients were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had abnormal uterine bleeding, prolonged menstrual flow, and/or postmenstrual spotting. The diagnosis of a cesarean scar diverticulum of the uterus was established using transvaginal ultrasound.InterventionsHysteroscopy was performed to visualize the defect if necessary. Vaginal repair involved excision of the scar and surrounding tissue, followed by closure using 2 layers of sutures.Measurements and Main ResultsThe median (range) duration of surgery was 60 (30–120) minutes; blood loss during surgery was 45 (10–100) mL; length of hospital stay was 3 (2–11) days. Perioperative complications occurred in 1 of 42 patients (2.4%). Follow-up ranged from 10 to 23 months. The efficacy of anatomic correction and rate of symptomatic relief was 92.9% (39 of 42 patients).ConclusionVaginal repair is a minimally invasive and effective surgical approach for treatment of uterine scar diverticula associated with previous cesarean section.     

Increased amplitude of subendometrial contractions identified by ultrasound speckle tracking in women with a caesarean scar defect

Research questionWhat is the effect of a caesarean scar defect on subendometrial contractions?DesignProspective cohort study in a Dutch medical centre including women with a niche in the uterine caesarean section scar. Data were compared with controls without a caesarean section scar. All women underwent a 5-min recording by transvaginal ultrasound at four phases in the menstrual cycle: during menses; late follicular; early luteal; or late luteal phase. Uterine motion analysis was evaluated by dedicated speckle tracking using two-dimensional optical flow. Main outcome: amplitude of the subendometrial contractions.ResultsThirty-one women with a niche in the uterine scar and 11 controls, matched for menstrual cycle phase, were included. The amplitude of the subendometrial contractions was significantly higher in women with a niche compared with controls during all phases of the menstrual cycle (menses P < 0.001; late follicular P < 0.001; early luteal P = 0.028; late luteal P = 0.003). Velocity was lower in women with a niche during late follicular phase only (P = 0.012). A positive correlation between niche sizes (depth, length) and amplitude of subendometrial contractions was found.ConclusionSubendometrial contractions were affected in women with a niche in the caesarean section scar compared with women who had not undergone a previous caesarean section. Contraction amplitude was higher and independent of the menstrual phase. These findings may cause postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhoea and lower implantation rates in women with a niche. Future studies should investigate this association and the underlying pathways.     

Ultrasonographic Features of Uterine Scar after Laparoscopic and Laparoscopy-Assisted Minilaparotomy Myomectomy: A Comparative Study

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate uterine scar features after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) compared with myomectomy performed by laparoscopy initially and then completed with minilaparotomy (LAM).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAn academic center for advanced endoscopic gynecologic surgery.PatientsSixty-nine symptomatic women who underwent myomectomy between July and December 2018.InterventionPatients underwent LM or LAM and 3-month follow-up ultrasonography.Measurements and Main ResultsForty-four patients underwent LM and 25 underwent LAM. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Two-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound was done at a 3-month follow-up to evaluate myomectomy scar features, myometrial thickness, and the presence of and vascularity of a heterogeneous mass. These features were compared with those of the intact myometrium on the opposite wall of the patient's uterus. The 2 groups had similar demographic characteristics, and there were no significant between-group differences in the number, maximum diameter, type, or location of myomas. The mean myometrial thickness at the scar site was 18.9 ± 3.22 mm in the LM group and 19.7 ± 3.50 mm in the LAM group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. There was no meaningful difference in vascularity between the scar and normal myometrium. Heterogeneous masses were detected in 23% of patients in the LM group and in 24% of those in the LAM group. Other than mean operative time (207 minutes for LM vs 150 minutes for LAM; p < .001) and mean postoperative reduction in hemoglobin (1.77 mg/dL for LM vs 2.35 mg/dL for LAM; p = .023), there were no other statistical differences between the 2 groups. One patient in the LM group experienced a bowel injury resulting from morcellation.ConclusionThere were no differences in myometrial scar features after LM compared with after LAM, implying effective suturing via both approaches.     

First and Third Trimester Uterine Scar Thickness in Women With Previous Caesarean: A Prospective Comparative Study

Background

Lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness in the third trimester of gestation is associated with the risk of uterine scar defect at delivery. It was suggested that first trimester residual myometrial thickness (RMT) could also predict uterine scar defect at delivery.