Effectiveness of the contemporary treatment of preterm labor: a comparison with a historical cohort

Aim

To evaluate the outcome of a cesarean myomectomy (CM) versus a cesarean delivery (CD) alone in women with uterine myomas and the risk factors for adverse outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all women undergoing CDs with uterine leiomyomatas and singleton pregnancies was performed. Patients with known risk factors for hemorrhage were excluded. Measured adverse outcome parameters included estimated blood loss, drop in hemoglobin levels (pre/postoperatively), operation time, and the use of additional uterotonics. Outcome parameters of women with CM were compared to women with CD alone. Possible risk factors for adverse outcomes were analyzed in a multivariate regression analysis. Evaluated risk factors for CM were according to localization and type of myomatas, the myoma size, BMI ≥30 kg/m², age ≥40 years, fetal weight ≥4 kg, repeat CD, and unplanned CD in the first stage of labor. The influence of localization and myoma type were further analyzed in a subgroup analysis.

Results

Of the 162 women with uterine myomatas during CD, 48 underwent CM and were analyzed. Overall, CM was not associated with adverse outcomes. Independent of a concomitant myomectomy, a large myoma size of ≥5 cm was associated with an increased blood loss of ≥500 ml (adj. OR 2.7 CI 95 % 1.2–6.2, p = 0.02), and women ≥40 years of age had a significant postoperative drop in hemoglobin (adj. OR 2.4 CI 95 % 1.0–5.4, p = 0.04). In the univariate subgroup analysis, CM of multiple myomatas was associated with an increased blood loss and an increased operation time compared to women with multiple myomatas and CD alone. Prolonged operation times were also observed in women with pedunculated and subserosal myomatas with concomitant myomectomy. There were no cases of hysterectomy or blood transfusions.

Conclusion

CM performed by an experienced obstetrician can be safe in selected patients who are without additional preexisting risk factors. Risk factors that are associated with increased blood loss in women with uterine leiomyomatas include a larger size of the leiomyoma (≥5 cm) and a maternal age of ≥40 years.