Placenta percreta with subsequent uterine rupture at 15 weeks of gestation after two previous cesarean sections

A 25-year-old gravida 3 para 2 woman was referred to our hospital at 15 weeks' gestation with an acute abdomen and free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. On admission she was somnolent. She had a history of two cesarean sections. Fetal cardiac activity was detectable by ultrasound preoperatively. Intraoperatively, a lower uterine-segment rupture was identified in the area of the presumed prior uterine incision. The great blood loss with consecutive coagulopathy required an emergency hysterectomy and multiple blood transfusions. The placenta was located on the lower anterior uterine wall. Intervening decidual cells between placenta and maternal scar tissue were absent in the area of the prior uterine incision. Placental villous tissue deeply invaded and perforated the scar tissue. Histological examination revealed a placenta percreta. Placenta percreta with subsequent uterine rupture is a rare but dramatic complication after previous cesarean section. This should be kept in mind as the rate of elective cesarean sections is rising continuously. Our patient recovered completely.     

Uterine rupture after previous low segment transverse cesarean is rarely catastrophic

Objective: The cornerstone of concerns over trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is the risk of uterine rupture. The purpose of this study was to document the rate of uterine rupture during TOLAC and to delineate its severity and consequences.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively collected the data on vaginal and cesarean deliveries after a previous cesarean section with specific emphasis on uterine rupture and dehiscence in our center from 2006 through 2013.

Results: 22,670 deliveries were registered, with 18.2% rate of cesarean section. 2890 women had a single cesarean scar; of them 1206 delivered vaginally and 194 were re-operated during unsuccessful TOLAC. Seven cases of uterine rupture and 16 cases of dehiscence were recorded. There were no maternal, intrapartum or neonatal deaths, and no cesarean hysterectomy. There was one re-laparotomy, one ICU admission, and one blood transfusion; one neonate was admitted to NICU. TOLAC was successful in 86.1% of cases.

Conclusions: Cautious selection and close monitoring of candidates are the cornerstones of successful management of TOLAC. Readily available facilities for emergency cesarean delivery and concerted obstetrical team can save the mother and child from catastrophic complications.     

剖宫产术后再次妊娠子宫破裂10例临床分析

目的 探讨剖宫产术后再次妊娠子宫破裂的临床特点及预防。方法 对1990年1月至2013年12月北京协和医院收治的10例剖宫产术后再次妊娠子宫破裂的病例进行回顾分析。结果 10例子宫破裂的患者中,不完全破裂6例,完全破裂4例。完全破裂的患者平均分娩孕周（27+6±9+4）周,此次分娩距前次剖宫产时间均≥21个月;入院时均未足月,主诉全部伴有下腹部疼痛。子宫不完全破裂的患者平均分娩孕周（36+4±5+2）周,此次分娩距前次剖宫产时间均≥12个月;大部分为足月,多数不伴有腹部疼痛。结论 剖宫产术后再次妊娠是子宫破裂的高危因素。对于有剖宫产史再次妊娠的患者,整个孕期都要提高警惕,加强孕期管理和监护。     

Uterine rupture, perioperative and perinatal morbidity after single-layer and double-layer closure at cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the risks and benefits of single-layer uterine closure at cesarean delivery on the index and subsequent pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of women delivered of their first live-born infants by primary low transverse cesarean delivery (1989-2001) and their subsequent pregnancy at our institution was performed. RESULTS: Of 768 women studied, 267 had single-layer and 501 had double-layer uterine closures in the index pregnancy. Single-layer closure was associated with slightly decreased blood loss (646 vs 690 mL, P<.01), operative time (46 vs 52 minutes, P<.001), endometritis (13.5% vs 25.5%, P<.001), and postoperative stay (3.5 vs 4.1 days, P<.001). In the second pregnancy, prior single-layer closure was not associated with uterine rupture after a trial of labor (0% vs 1.2%, P=.30), or other maternal or infant morbidities. Prior single-layer closure was associated with increased uterine windows (3.5% vs 0.7%, P=.046) at subsequent cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Single-layer uterine closure is associated with decreased infectious morbidity in the index surgery, but not uterine rupture or other adverse outcomes in the subsequent gestation.     

Uterine rupture during induced mid-trimester abortion

Uterine rupture during induced mid-trimester abortion is infrequent. Often the diagnosis is established only after manual exploration of the uterus, exploratory laparotomy or even autopsy. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis rapidly and to offer efficient treatment, since the unexpected occurrence of this catastrophe adds to its inherent seriousness. Fourteen cases revealed by a Med-line search and two additional personal cases were reviewed. The most common complaint heralding the rupture was abdominal pain and secondary to it there were signs of blood loss, such as vaginal bleeding, decreased hematocrit level and decreased blood pressure. 72% of women with uterine rupture (10 out of 14) did not abort within 24 h after intra-amniotic injection, and 85% (11 out of 13) had large quantities of oxytocin administered for more than 12 h. The rupture occurred predominantly in the lower segment and there was no preference either for the right or left side of the uterus. It was shown that uterine rupture during mid-trimester induced abortion is not unique to women of high parity or old age. The major complications occurring in induced mid-trimester abortions are similar to those seen in patients who deliver in the third trimester.     

Delayed uterine rupture occurred 4 weeks after cesarean section following sexual intercourse: A case report and literature review

ObjectiveSpontaneous delayed uterine rupture is life-threatening and extremely rare following sexual intercourse in postpartum. Here, we present a case of delayed uterine rupture that occurred 4 weeks after cesarean section following intercourse.Case reportA 31-year-old postpartum woman, gravida 4, para 1, abortion 3, underwent a cesarean section for prolonged labor. She was transferred to our hospital in shock status with brisk vaginal bleeding following intercourse 4 weeks after delivery. An emergency subtotal hysterectomy was performed to stop the bleeding. The pathology confirmed tissue necrosis and suture granuloma at the previous surgical wound.ConclusionThe presented case demonstrated that delayed uterine rupture may occur even 4 weeks after delivery following intercourse, without any obvious abdominal pain or infection signs, which deserved the attention of obstetricians.     

Uterine rupture associated with the use of misoprostol in the gravid patient with a previous cesarean section

Objective: Our purpose is to report our experience with uterine rupture in patients undergoing a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery in which labor was induced with misoprostol. The literature on the use of misoprostol in the setting of previous cesarean section is reviewed. Study Design: This report was based on case reports, a computerized search of medical records, and literature review. Results: Uterine rupture occurred in 5 of 89 patients with previous cesarean delivery who had labor induced with misoprostol. The uterine rupture rate for patients attempting vaginal birth after cesarean section was significantly higher in those who received misoprostol, 5.6%, than in those who did not, 0.2% (1/423, P = .0001). Review of the literature reveals insufficient data to support the use of misoprostol in the patient with a previous cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Misoprostol may increase the risk of uterine rupture in the patient with a scarred uterus. Carefully controlled studies of the risks and benefits of misoprostol are necessary before its widespread use in this setting. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1535-42.)     

Induction of labor: Comparison of a cohort with uterine scar from previous cesarean section vs. a cohort with intact uterus

Objective. To compare the risk of uterine rupture between a cohort of women with previous low-transverse cesarean section (CS) and a cohort with intact uterus.

Methods. All women with a singleton pregnancy and previous low-transverse CS requiring induction of labor from January 1, 1992 to December 30, 2001 (n = 310) were compared with a cohort of women with intact uterus undergoing induction of labor during the same study period (n = 5420). Protocols of induction using prostaglandin E₂ gel and oxytocin infusion were consistent within groups, but differed between the previous CS and the intact uterus group.

Results. Uterine rupture occurred in 0.3% in the previous CS group vs. 0.03% in the intact uterus group (p = 0.37). Logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference in rate of uterine rupture between the previous CS vs. intact uterus group (p = 0.16) after controlling for maternal age, parity, gestational age at delivery, Bishop score on admission, use of prostaglandin and oxytocin, and birth weight. Our study had adequate power to detect a 0.38% difference in rate of uterine rupture between the two groups (α = 0.05, β = 0.80).

Conclusion. Induction of labor is not associated with significantly higher rates of uterine rupture among women with previous low-transverse CS compared with women with intact uterus provided a consistent protocol with strict intervention criteria is adopted.     

Uterine Rupture Following One Successful Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section: A Case Report

A 30-year-old, G3 P2 woman presented in spontaneous labour. Her first pregnancy had ended in a Caesarean section for failure to progress. Her second pregnancy had ended in a successful vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) after labour was augmented with oxytocin. During her third pregnancy, she presented in early labour and went on to a spontaneous complete rupture of her uterus which necessitated a Caesarean hysterectomy.     

Silent rupture of unscarred uterus: an unusual presentation at second trimester abortion

Rupture of unscarred uterus during the second trimester is rare. A case of ruptured uterus in a multiparous woman is presented. To our knowledge, this might be the first reported case in the English literature of uterine rupture during second trimester termination of pregnancy using ethacridine lactate. This case is also rare as uterine rupture is presented with an insidious course rather than acute, thus delaying the diagnosis.     

Uterine rupture: risk factors and pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at determining risk factors and pregnancy outcome in women with uterine rupture. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based study, comparing all singleton deliveries with and without uterine rupture between 1988 and 1999. RESULTS: Uterus rupture occurred in 0.035% (n=42) of all deliveries included in the study (n=117,685). Independent risk factors for uterine rupture in a multivariable analysis were as follows: previous cesarean section (odds ratio [OR]=6.0, 95% CI 3.2-11.4), malpresentation (OR=5.4, 95% CI 2.7-10.5), and dystocia during the second stage of labor (OR=13.7, 95% CI 6.4-29.3). Women with uterine rupture had more episodes of postpartum hemorrhage (50.0% vs 0.4%, P<.01), received more packed cell transfusions (54.8% vs 1.5%, P<.01), and required more hysterectomies (26.2% vs 0.04%, P<.01). Newborn infants delivered after uterine rupture were more frequently graded Apgar scores lower than 5 at 5 minutes and had higher rates of perinatal mortality when compared with those without rupture (10.3% vs 0.3%, P<.01; 19.0% vs 1.4%, P<.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Uterine rupture, associated with previous cesarean section, malpresentation, and second-stage dystocia, is a major risk factor for maternal morbidity and neonatal mortality. Thus, a repeated cesarean delivery should be considered among parturients with a previous uterine scar, whose labor failed to progress.     

子宫动脉栓塞联合宫腔镜治疗剖宫产瘢痕妊娠41例临床分析

目的评价子宫动脉栓塞(UAE)联合宫腔镜治疗剖宫产瘢痕妊娠(CSP)的手术效果及结局。方法回顾性分析2005年1月至2012年6月北京大学人民医院住院行UAE联合宫腔镜手术的41例CSP患者的临床资料。结果 41例患者UAE术后均成功实施了宫腔镜手术,平均手术时间(26.0±13.1)min(10～60min),平均手术出血量(24.0±4.2)ml(20～30ml),平均住院天数(5.2±1.6)d(3～8d)。宫腔镜下见胎囊为外突型4例(9.7%),外突型平均手术时间[(42.5±17.1)min]显著低于内生型[(22.8±9.0)min;P=0.001];外突型平均孕周[(8.7±3.0)周]显著低于内生型[(6.7±1.7)周;P=0.041];二者β-hCG值、瘢痕厚度及血流阻力指数(RI)比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后轻度发热者占9.7%(4/41)、轻至中度下腹痛者占24.4%(10/41)。随访率95.1%(39/41),术后平均血β-hCG值恢复时间(2.6±2.2)周(1～8周);平均月经恢复正常时间(4.4±1.3)周(4～12周)。其中1例患者2次栓塞术后出现闭经,经人工周期治疗术后6个月月经恢复。术后妊娠2例,1例为正常宫内妊娠,因计划外行人工流产术;1例再次发生剖宫产瘢痕妊娠,再次UAE+宫腔镜手术治疗。结论子宫动脉栓塞联合宫腔镜治疗剖宫产瘢痕妊娠是一个可靠的治疗选择,在保留了患者生育功能的同时,具有成功率高、并发症少、住院时间及血β-hCG值恢复时间短的优点。     

Uterine rupture during a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture, which involves complete separation of the uterine wall, occurs in about 1% of those attempting vaginal birth after cesarean. Because uterine rupture is one of the most significant complications of a trial of labor (TOL) after previous cesarean, identifying those at increased risk of uterine rupture is paramount to the safety of a TOL after previous cesarean birth. It seems that both antepartum demographic characteristics and intrapartum factors modify the risk of uterine rupture. The ability to reliably predict an individual's a priori risk for intrapartum uterine rupture remains a major area of investigation.     

Maternal morbidity following a trial of labor after cesarean section vs elective repeat cesarean delivery: a systematic review with metaanalysis

This study reviewed maternal morbidity following trial of labor (TOL) after cesarean section, compared with elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCS). Articles were pooled to compare women planning vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with those undergoing ERCS with regard to maternal morbidity (MM), uterine rupture/dehiscence (UR/D), blood transfusion (BT), and hysterectomy. The former group was subdivided into successful VBAC (S-VBAC) and failed TOL (F-TOL). VBAC was successful in 17,905 of 24,349 patients (73%). MM, BT, and hysterectomy were similar in women planning VBAC or ERCS, whereas UR/D was different (1.3%; 0,4%). MM, UR/D, BT and hysterectomy were more common after F-TOL (17%, 4.4%, 3%; 0.5%) than after S-VBAC (3.1%, 0.2%, 1.1%; 0.1%) or ERCS (4.3%, 0.4%, 1%; 0.3%). Outcomes were more favorable in S-VBAC than ERCS. These findings show that a higher risk of UR/D in women planning VBAC than ERCS is counterbalanced by reduction of MM, UR/D. and hysterectomy when VBAC is successful.