Uterine compression sutures, an update: review of efficacy, safety and complications of B-Lynch suture and other uterine compression techniques for postpartum haemorrhage

Efficacy, Complications and Effects of Alcides Pereira's Sutures in the Management of Uterine Atony: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Uterine compressive sutures are conservative measures applied in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to uterotonics. Pereira's suture was introduced in 2005 and consists of two longitudinal and three transverse non-transfixes sutures. Previous studies reported favorable results, highlighting its benefits and value. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, complications, and impact on fertility and future pregnancies of Pereira's suture applied in cases of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study was performed by consulting the medical records of women treated with Pereira's compressive sutures in a tertiary center between January 2013 and December 2022. We registered demographic data, pregnancy outcomes, short-term complications, and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies.

RESULTS

A total of 50 women were treated with Pereira's suture. The overall success rate was 96% and no hysterectomies were performed. Women who had sutures performed during an intra-cesarean section had better outcomes than those who had an after-cesarean section. Complications were reported in 12% (n = 6) of women, with the most frequent being pelvic infection (n = 3) and abdominal pain (n = 3). Regarding fertility, all women desiring a future pregnancy (n = 5) were able to conceive, resulting in three live births.

CONCLUSION

Pereira's suture is a type of suture that provides numerous advantages and should be considered when first-line medical treatment fails. When applied at an early stage, the sutures may prevent maternal morbidity. The Alcides Pereira's suture is a safe technique and appears to preserve fertility.

Clinical outcome analysis of modified B-Lynch sutures in the fundus uteri and part of the corpus uteri for the prevention of intraoperative haemorrhage during caesarean delivery in women with twin pregnancy: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the efficacy of modified B-Lynch sutures in the fundus uteri and part of the corpus uteri for the prevention of intraoperative haemorrhage during caesarean delivery in women with twin pregnancy.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis covers the clinical data of 40 women with postpartum haemorrhage caused by uterine inertia during caesarean section in women with twin pregnancy in our hospital from January 2018 to May 2022. These women were divided into the group with modified B-Lynch sutures at the fundus and part of the corpus uteri (Group A, 20 patients) and the group with classic B-Lynch sutures (Group B, 20 patients) according to the treatment received. The treatment effect and safety of the two uterine compression sutures were compared.

RESULTS

In this study, no statistically significant differences were found in the outcomes of haemostasis or intraoperative and 24-h postoperative blood loss between the two uterine compression suture groups (P > 0.05). Compared to Group B, Group A showed a significantly reduced operative time, postoperative hospital stay, puerperal morbidity rate, pain score and duration of lochia.

CONCLUSION

Modified B-Lynch sutures at the fundus and part of the corpus uteri can achieve a haemostatic effect similar to that of the classic B-Lynch suture, while it allows for a shortened operative time and reduced postoperative complications. Modified B-Lynch sutures can serve as a safe, rapid and effective haemostatic method for the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage during caesarean section in women with twin pregnancy, showing certain validity for promotion in clinics.

Interventions of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is a common and potentially life-threatening obstetric complication, with successful management relying heavily on early identification of hemorrhage and prompt intervention. This article will review the management of postpartum hemorrhage, including initial steps, exam-specific interventions, medical therapy, minimally invasive, and surgical interventions.

Uterine necrosis following hemostatic compression suture: case report and review of the literature

Objectives

To present a case of uterine necrosis following hemostatic suturing to control postpartum bleeding, and to review the literature in order to identify the suture techniques employed, clinical findings, diagnostics and treatment in the clinical cases described.

Material and methods

A 34-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain eight days after cesarean delivery due to placenta previa who required B-Lynch compression suture due to uterine atony, and who was diagnosed with uterine necrosis. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with a satisfactory recovery. A systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline vía Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science databases. The search included case series and reports, and cohorts of women with uterine necrosis following the use of uterine compression sutures for postpartum bleeding. The analysis included sociodemographic and clinical variables at the time of diagnosis, suturing technique, diagnostic tests and treatment.

Results

Overall, 23 studies with 24 patients were included. Of all necrosis cases, 83% occurred following cesarean section. B-Lynch was the suturing technique most frequently used (66 %), followed by the Cho suture (25 %). The most frequent symptoms were fever and abdominal pain. The most commonly used diagnostic test was computed tomography (9/24 cases). Hysterectomy was performed in the majority of cases (75 %).

Conclusions

Although rare, uterine wall necrosis is a serious complication. It would be advisable to design follow-up cohort studies of women undergoing these procedures in order to determine the incidence of associated complications.

Obstetric and Maternal Outcomes After B-Lynch Compression Sutures: A Meta-Analysis

This review article aimed to determine the obstetric and maternal outcomes after B-Lynch compression sutures to control atonic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This meta-analysis was performed after registering the protocol in the PROSPERO database with the registration number CRD42022355358. Two independent reviewers systematically searched electronic databases and search engines (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) to retrieve published articles from inception to July 2022. The obstetric and maternal outcomes after the B-Lynch compression suture were computed using the random-effects model in pooled proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to explain any source of possible heterogeneity. Quality assessment of the included studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools which are critical appraisal tools for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This meta-analysis included a total of 30 studies involving 1,270 subjects. The pooled proportion of B-Lynch suture alone was 91% (95% CI = 82-97%). The combined proportion of B-Lynch suture plus another compression suture was 1% (95% CI = 0-3%), and the pooled proportion of B-Lynch suture plus vessel ligation was 3% (95% CI = 1-6%). The pooled proportions of PPH controlled and hysterectomies were 94% (95% CI = 91-97%, I² = 65.3%) and 7% (95% CI = 4-10%, I² = 72.13%), respectively. Therefore, B-Lynch suture (either alone or in combination with other techniques) is a simple and effective measure to control atonic PPH.

Uterine preservation with Alcides-Pereira's compressive sutures for postpartum uterine atony

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is mostly caused by uterine atony and is the leading cause of maternal death. Hysterectomy may be necessary in severe cases, but uterine compressive sutures are an uterine-sparing alternative. In 2005, Alcides Pereira proposed a technique with serial superficial stiches around the uterus. To date, there were no further reports on its clinical use.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a tertiary center's experience with Alcides-Pereira's compressive uterine sutures for severe PPH due to uterine atony, reviewing its efficacy, morbidity, and impact on reproductive outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

An 11-year retrospective cohort study of Alcides-Pereira's sutures for PPH at a single tertiary hospital. Demographic and obstetric data were collected. Details of subsequent pregnancies and fertility plans were collected through a telephonic interview. Comparison between women in which the sutures were effective and ineffective to prevent hysterectomy was made.

RESULTS

Alcides-Pereira's sutures were applied in 23 patients with PPH due to uterine atony. The technique was successful in controlling the hemorrhage and avoiding hysterectomy in 20 patients (87%). When successful, the sutures avoided the need for any blood therapy in 55% (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.73) of patients, intensive care unit admission in 80% (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.08-0.48) and significantly shortened the length of hospital stay. All patients with preserved uterus resumed their usual menstrual pattern. One had a subsequent term vaginal delivery; one had three first trimester miscarriages. All other patients did not try to conceive.

CONCLUSION

Alcides-Pereira's sutures are a feasible, uterine-sparing technique, providing an effective and safe option for PPH.

Clinical Experience Over 15 Years with the B-Lynch Compression Suture Technique in the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

 To describe the clinical experience with the B-Lynch technique in the management of postpartum hemorrhage as well as the factors related to the indication of the technique and to present the success rates of the application of the B-Lynch technique.

METHODS

 Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Patient data was obtained through the study of medical records. The study population comprised of patients who underwent hemostatic suture using the B-Lynch technique, including 104 patients within the period from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2019.

RESULTS

 Of the total of 104 patients, 82.7% did not present any complications. Blood transfusion and intensive care unit admission were the most prevalent complications, with 13.5% and 15.4%, respectively. Only 1% of the patients had puerperal and surgical site infections. The factors most related to the application of the technique were the presence of previous cesarean section (30.8%), use of oxytocin (16.3%), and preeclampsia (11.6%). Puerperal hysterectomy was performed in 4.8% of the patients due to failure of the method.

CONCLUSION

 The clinical experience with the B-Lynch technique was satisfactory since it presented few complications, with excellent results in hemorrhagic control. Previous cesarean section, the use of oxytocin, and preeclampsia stood out as factors related to the indication of the application of the technique, and the success rate in controlling postpartum hemorrhage was 95.2%.

Placenta percreta presenting as uterine rupture following previous B-Lynch suture

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder varies from minimally adherent placenta to deeply invasive placenta. Placenta percreta is a rare cause for uterine rupture and the incidence of morbidly adherent placenta is on the rise due to increase in the rates of caesarean section. We report a case of a 32-year-old, G2P1L1 who presented to us at 27 weeks in a state of haemodynamic shock with intrauterine fetal death. She had a history of prior caesarean section complicated by postpartum haemorrhage requiring B-Lynch suturing. With an initial diagnosis of caesarean scar rupture, she underwent an emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively, the caesarean scar was found to be intact and uterine fundal rupture with placental protrusion identified. She underwent caesarean hysterectomy and was discharged in a stable condition. The histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of placenta percreta.

"Step-by-Step" Minimally Invasive Hemostatic Technique Using Intrauterine Double-Balloon Tamponade Combined with Uterine Isthmus Vertical Compression Suture for the Control of Placenta Accreta and Severe Atonic Hemorrhage during a Cesarean Section

A sudden onset of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during a cesarean delivery requires urgent hemostasis procedures, such as the B-Lynch, Hayman, or double-vertical compression sutures, when bimanual compression, uterotonic agent administration, and intrauterine balloon tamponade had failed to achieve sufficient hemostasis. However, after invasive hemostatic procedures, postoperative complications, including subsequent synechiae and infection followed by ischemia, have been reported to occur even in successful cases. To avoid these complications, we devised and performed a minimally invasive combined technique based on a “step-by-step” minimally invasive hemostatic protocol for a case of placenta accreta and severe atonic hemorrhage during a cesarean delivery. A nullipara woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus and treatment with prednisolone and tacrolimus underwent a cesarean section because of a nonreassuring fetal status. Severe atonic hemorrhage and placenta accreta were observed which did not respond to bimanual compression and uterotonics. Because severe uterine atony and continuous bleeding from the placental attachment area were observed even with intrauterine balloon tamponade, vertical compression sutures were placed in the uterine isthmus. However, severe uterine atony and atonic bleeding from the uterine corpus persisted; thus, a second balloon was inserted into the uterine corpus. Hemostasis was accomplished with a combination of isthmus vertical compression sutures and double balloons which is a less-invasive approach than existing compression techniques. No complications related to these procedures were observed. This step-by-step minimally invasive hemostatic technique has the potential to control PPH with less complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Uterine necrosis, infection, and subinvolution: complications observed after combined application of modified B-Lynch suture and vascular ligation

Compression sutures are primarily used to treat atonic postpartum hemorrhage. We herein describe three cases of selective arterial ligation combined with B-Lynch or modified B-Lynch suture for the treatment of intractable postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to available conservative interventions. Three pregnant women underwent a cesarean section for a macrosomic fetus, fetal distress, and oligohydramnios, respectively. All three women developed intractable postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony with no chance of embolization therapy. B-Lynch or modified B-Lynch suture and additional selective arterial ligation were performed using braided absorbable suture. The first woman developed postoperative hematometra and infection without response to drainage and antibiotic therapy. Although laparoscopic exploration was performed to loosen the suture line and drain the hematometra and pyometra, the necrosis and infection could not be controlled. Subtotal hysterectomy was therefore conducted, and the necrotic uterine adnexa was removed. The other two women developed subinvolution of the uterus resulting in prolonged menstruation and amenorrhea, although the uterus was preserved and the bleeding was controlled. Modified B-Lynch suture combined with vascular ligation is an invaluable technique for women with severe intractable postpartum hemorrhage. However, it can lead to serious complications such as uterine necrosis, infection, and subinvolution.

Subsequent pregnancy outcome after uterine compression suture placement for postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the subsequent obstetrical outcome in women who received a uterine compression suture.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of women who received a uterine compression suture for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) between January 2009 and December 2018 and had a subsequent pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in India. Women who had PPH but did not receive uterine compression sutures and had a subsequent pregnancy were taken as controls.

RESULTS

Sixty-two women had a subsequent pregnancy after uterine compression suture and were included in this study. There were no significant differences in the subsequent pregnancy outcome between the study and control groups. However, women with a history of uterine compression suture were found to have a higher incidence of dense omental adhesions (15% versus 2.8%; P < 0.001), more intrapartum blood loss (740.5 ± 491.8 ml versus 638.8 ± 194 ml; P = 0.02), and were more likely to need repeat uterine compression suture (6.7% versus 0%; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Women who received uterine compression sutures had similar obstetrical outcomes in their subsequent pregnancy compared with those who did not receive a suture for PPH management. However, they had a higher risk of dense omental adhesions, repeat uterine compression suture application, and intrapartum blood loss.

Removable retropubic uterine compression suture for controlling postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To minimize the adverse events of uterine compression suture in controlling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to search for a prophylactic approach to potential PPH.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 39 women with removable retropubic uterine compression suture (RRUCS) to stop PPH due to uterine atony during cesarean section (CS). The procedure was to suspend and compress the uterus to the retropubic abdominal wall using an absorbable suture.

RESULTS

The technique was sufficient to stanch bleeding immediately in 36 patients (92.31%, 36/39). No morbidity or abnormalities occurred in women who underwent RRUCS. Subsequent pregnancies occurred in 10 cases, but the others lacked the desire for future pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

RRUCS is a simple, safe, and effective technique in controlling atonic PPH; it is also used as a prophylactic application in patients with potential PPH after CS.

A review of postpartum hemorrhage in low-income countries and implications for strengthening health systems

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Disparities in PPH-associated survival between high and low-/middle-income countries reflect an imperative for low-resource countries to improve strategies for rapid diagnosis and treatment. A review of current PPH diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and access to care in low-income countries has been used to understand, extract, and report the challenges that public health systems face in trying to solve the marked global disparity in PPH outcomes. Improvement in PPH survival begins with holistic strengthening of each step along the continuum of care in health systems and should include performance feedback measures and quality-of-care research.

The Discriminant Use of Intrauterine Balloon Tamponade and Compression Sutures for Management of Major Postpartum Hemorrhage: Comparison of Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcome

Background

Intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) and compression sutures have been widely used in recent years in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, there is scant literature directly comparing the clinical scenarios that led to the discriminant selection of these management modalities and the direct clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the patient characteristics and clinical risk factors that led to the use of IUBT and compression sutures in the management of major PPH as well as the immediate outcome in a retrospective cohort.

Methods

Patients who had IUBT or compression sutures applied due to major PPH (>1000 ml) from 2014 to 2018 in a single obstetric unit were recruited. The patient characteristics and clinical outcome of the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 67 patients had IUBT and 29 patients had compression sutures applied as the first uterine sparing technique. Apart from more vaginal deliveries (25.4% vs. 3.5%) in the IUBT group compared to compression sutures, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics. The IUBT group had a slightly higher blood loss at the start of the uterine sparing procedure (239 ml, p = 0.049) and received more transfusions, despite no differences in the total blood loss, hemogloblin level, incidence of coagulopathy, and intensive care unit admission between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the overall success rate between IUBT and compression sutures to control PPH without additional surgical intervention or hysterectomy (73.1% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.15) or the success rate for PPH due to uterine atony (32.8% vs. 20.7%), though IUBT apparently performed better than compression sutures in cases of placenta praevia (77.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.01). Blood loss > 1.5 l at the start of the procedure, presence of placenta accreta, and presence of coagulopathy were found to be significant poor prognostic factors for both procedures to control PPH.

Conclusions

There were no dominating patient characteristics that favoured the selection of either IUBT or compression sutures in the management of severe PPH except for the mode of delivery. Both procedures had equally high overall success rates to control PPH, but IUBT performed better in placenta praevia cases as compared to compression sutures.

Uterine compression sutures with additional hemostatic procedures for the management of postpartum hemorrhage

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacies and possible short-term complications in women receiving uterine compression sutures only and those with additional hemostatic procedures for the management of postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS

It was a retrospective study carried out from year 2009 to 2019 at a tertiary obstetric hospital and included 79 women who underwent uterine compression sutures (B-Lynch sutures, Hayman's sutures and Cho's sutures) for primary postpartum hemorrhage. Thirty-six of these women had additional hemostatic procedures (uterine artery ligation or embolization) performed for bleeding control.

RESULTS

Of the 43 women who were primarily treated with uterine compression sutures only, the success rate to preserve the uterus was 97.7% (42/43). In women with uterine compression sutures and additional hemostatic procedures performed, the success rate was 75% (27/36). Among these two groups of women without peripartum hysterectomy, there were no significant differences in the incidence of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (14.8% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.729), postoperative endometritis (14.8% vs. 14.3%; P > 0.99) and retained products of conception (3.7% vs. 9.5%; P = 0.641) during their 6-week postpartum checkup. Three women were diagnosed to have hematometra. No pyometra or uterine necrosis was noted.

CONCLUSION

Uterine compression sutures with additional hemostatic procedures are effective to control postpartum hemorrhage and prevent hysterectomy. The short-term complication rate is low. Long-term monitoring is needed to identify rare but potentially dangerous complications.

The efficacy between cervical-lifting suture and lower B-Lynch suture in placenta previa: a retrospective cohort-study

PURPOSE

This study is performed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cervical-lifting suture and lower B-Lynch suture in different severity of placenta previa associated with lower uterine segment bleeding.

METHODS

We evaluated the effectiveness of cervical-lifting suture (n = 51) and lower B-Lynch suture (n = 137) in stopping the bleeding from lower uterine segment. Additionally, we used different statistical methods, including overall analysis, subgroup analysis and approximate randomization analysis, to evaluate the efficacy of the two assessments.

RESULTS

The medical records of these 188 participants were extracted and all of the patients were followed up for six weeks. The majority of patients were multipara and complicated with previous cesarean delivery and abnormal adherent placenta. The median intraoperative blood loss and the median amount of red blood cell transfusion were lower in the cervical-lifting suture group in comparison to the lower B-Lynch suture group.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that cervical-lifting suture has less intraoperative blood loss and red blood cell transfusion for controlling lower uterine segment bleeding in placenta previa.

Bleeding control using intrauterine continuous running suture during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine continuous running suture during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa.

METHODS

We enrolled 277 women and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Pregnant women were grouped according to uterine bleeding control methods as follows: Group A, using intrauterine continuous running suture and Group B (control group) using figure-of-eight suture.

RESULTS

Intrauterine continuous running sutures were used in 104 pregnant women. Mean total blood loss in Group A was significantly less than that in Group B (1332.70 ± 152.92 mL vs 1861.56 ± 157.74 mL, P = 0.029). Mean total transfusion unit of Group A was significantly less than that in Group B (1.74 ± 0.41 vs 3.52 ± 0.75, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Intrauterine continuous running sutures can significantly reduce postpartum blood loss and transfusion units during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa.

Matsubara-Yano suture: a simple uterine compression suture for postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean section

AIMS

The aims of this study were to clarify: (i) the effectiveness of Matsubara-Yano uterine compression suture (MY) to achieve hemostasis in the presence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean section, (ii) the type of PPH for which MY is effective, (iii) post-operative complications of MY, and (iv) outcomes of pregnancy after MY.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was performed using medical records of patients for whom MY had been performed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2017.

RESULTS

MY was performed for 50 patients, with hemostasis achieved in 46 (92%). The other four (8%: 4/50) patients required transarterial embolization or hysterectomy. Of these four, three patients had placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder-related bleeding. Post-operative complications were observed in three (6%: 3/50) patients, with all showing intrauterine infection. All three patients recovered solely with antibiotics. Eight pregnancies were confirmed (five livebirths, two spontaneous abortions in the first trimester, and one case of ongoing pregnancy). Of the five livebirths, one resulted in cesarean hysterectomy due to placenta previa with PAS disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

MY had a hemostatic effect on PPH. All cases except one with hemostatic failure were associated with PAS disorders, indicating that the hemostatic rate was lower in those with PAS than non-PAS disorders.

Towel Uterus Model for Uterine Compression Sutures Technical Skills Training: A Review of Literature and Development of a Performance Rubric

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continues to be the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, occurring in about five percent of deliveries. The most common cause of PPH is uterine atony, and a number of medical and surgical management techniques are available to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with PPH in this context. Uterine compression sutures provide a more conservative surgical approach, allowing for the preservation of fertility. Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) residents need to be adequately trained to competently perform this technique. The goal of this surgical skills training is for Ob/Gyn residents to be able to surgically manage PPH using uterine compression sutures. A uterine towel model for surgical skills training in the use of uterine compression sutures was developed. The simulator is explained and compared to similar models. Possible ways to implement and use the simulator in a simulation curriculum are also described. A performance-based assessment rubric was also developed in order to formatively aid with the learning and understanding of the technique. Much work is still needed to test the validity and reliability of this tool, but based on current literature, results may be promising.

Ring compression suture for controlling post-partum hemorrhage during cesarean section

AIM

To avoid complications associated with uterine compression sutures, we devised a ring compression suture (RCS).

METHODS

The RCS was performed on 12 patients with post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean section. The suture was inserted 0.5 cm below the attachment point of the uterosacral ligament into the uterine cavity and pushed downward through the cervical canal into the vagina. The other end of the stitch was threaded through the lower abdominal wall, from the inside of the abdomen cavity to the outside of the abdominal wall, emerging at the external surface of the lower abdomen 2 cm lateral to the ventral median line and 1 cm above the symphysis pubis. Then, the two ends of the suture (the end in the vagina had been pulled out in advance) were tied tightly on the pudendum. The same stitch was repeated on the contralateral side. After 48 h postoperatively, the suture was removed through the vagina under sterilization.

RESULTS

All 12 women with PPH who underwent RCS achieved hemostasis, and complications related to RCS were not seen. Two of them had successful pregnancies postoperatively. The remaining women had no desire for a further pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

The procedure can be used as an alternative to peripartum hysterectomy and also as a prophylactic application in PPH.

The effectiveness of the double B-lynch suture as a modification in the treatment of intractable postpartum haemorrhage

A broader range of more effective compression techniques are needed in the patients who have an intractable postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony despite medical treatment and B-Lynch sutures. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of a series of patients with haemorrhage who were managed by double B-Lynch suture. Fourteen patients who were treated in a tertiary hospital between July 2010 and February 2015 were included in the study. The intractable haemorrhage rate was 0.35% over 5 years (14/4000 births). Bleeding was controlled in all the patients with a double B-Lynch suture. The mean age of the patients was 24 ± 3.4 years. The mean estimated blood loss was 1696 ± 272.075 mL, and the mean transfusion rate was 4.2 ± 2.5 units. Pregnancy was observed in five patients at follow up. The double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective and reliable solution to an intractable postpartum haemorrhage resulting from uterine atony and has no unfavourable impacts on fertility. It should be considered before the use of any aggressive surgical techniques such as a hypogastric artery ligation or a hysterectomy. This the first study to investigate the effectiveness of the double B-Lynch suture, and we showed that the hysterectomy and/or hypogastric artery ligation rate can be decreased by adding a second B-Lynch suture in cases where the medical treatment or a single B-Lynch has failed. Impact statement What is already known on the subject? Uterine atony is the most common cause of a primary postpartum haemorrhage. When a simple massage of the uterus and medication failed to manage this condition, various surgical solutions have been sought, including uterine compression sutures, uterine artery ligation, devascularisation of the uterus, internal iliac artery ligation and, ultimately, a hysterectomy. The B-Lynch suturing technique is particularly useful because of its simplicity of application, life-saving potential, relative safety and capacity for preserving the uterus and subsequent fertility. To-date, this suturing technique, when applied correctly, has been successful with no problems and no apparent complications. However in the cases of when it falls, usually a hysterectomy or a hipogastric artery ligation is preferred. What does this study add? A 'double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective and reliable method in an intractable postpartum haemorrhage due to a uterine atony and has no unfavourable impact on fertility'. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? The double B-Lynch suture seems to be an effective, reliable and technically easy method. With this aspect, it might be considered before any aggressive surgical techniques, such as a hypogastric artery ligation and hysterectomy in selected cases.

Longitudinal parallel compression suture to control postopartum hemorrhage due to placenta previa and accrete

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of longitudinal parallel compression suture to control heavy postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in patients with placenta previa/accreta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen women received a longitudinal parallel compression suture to stop life-threatening PPH due to placenta previa with or without accreta during cesarean section. The suture apposed the anterior and posterior walls of the lower uterine segment together using an absorbable thread A 70-mm round needle with a Number-1 absorbable thread was used. The point of needle entry was 1 cm above the upper margin of the cervix and 1 cm from the right lateral border of the lower segment of the anterior wall. The suture was threaded through the uterine cavity to the serosa of the posterior wall. Then, it was directed upward and threaded from the posterior to the anterior wall at ∼1-2 cm above the upper boundary of the lower uterine segment and 3-cm medial to the right margin of the uterus. Both ends of the suture were tied on the anterior aspect of uterus. The left side was sutured in the same way.

RESULTS

The success rate of the procedure was 86.7% (13/15). Two of 15 cases were concurrently administered gauze packing and achieved satisfactory hemostasis. All patients resumed a normal menstrual flow, and no postoperative anatomical or physiological abnormalities related to the suture were observed. Three women achieved further pregnancies after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal parallel compression suture is a safe, easy, effective, practical, and conservative surgical technique to stop intractable PPH from the lower uterine segment, particularly in women who have a cesarean scar and placenta previa/accreta.

The association between the time from oxytocin cessation during labour to Cesarean delivery and postpartum blood loss: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Prolonged exposure to oxytocin during augmentation of labour is associated with uterine atony and an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to oxytocin receptor desensitization. Cessation of oxytocin infusion during labour may facilitate recovery of oxytocin receptor function, which then helps to restore myometrial contractility and decrease postpartum blood loss. We examined the association between oxytocin recovery interval, i.e., the time from discontinuing oxytocin to Cesarean delivery (CD) for labour arrest, and blood loss.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women who underwent CD for labour arrest following oxytocin-augmented labour from July 1, 2013 to July 19, 2015 at our institution. Data were collected on patient demographics, labour and delivery characteristics, oxytocin induction and augmentation, recovery interval, and PPH risk factors. The primary outcome was estimated blood loss (EBL), calculated using the hematocrit variation method.

RESULTS

Data on 490 women were analyzed. The mean (standard deviation) EBL was 1,341 (577) mL; the amount of oxytocin administered during labour was 6,447 (6,868) mU, and the oxytocin recovery interval was 99 (65) min. Every ten-minute increase in the recovery interval was associated with a 10-mL decrease in EBL (95% confidence interval [CI], -18 to -3; P = 0.009). Morbidly obese women had a significantly higher EBL than those with a body mass index < 40 kg·m^-2 (mean difference, 572 mL; 95% CI, 382 to 762; P < 0.001). The amount and duration of oxytocin administered during labour, but not the oxytocin recovery interval, was associated with the use of additional interventions to control PPH (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that an increase in the oxytocin recovery interval is associated with a decrease in blood loss at CD in women with oxytocin augmented labour. These data support discontinuing the oxytocin infusion as soon as the decision is made to proceed with CD for labour arrest, particularly in morbidly obese women.

Uterine salvage management for atonic postpartum hemorrhage using "modified lynch suture"

Background

To assess the effectiveness of the new modified technique in order to control bleeding in women presenting with atonic, flabby uterus compared to the most commonly described technique of classic B-Lynch suture.

Method

This study included 160 women of uncontrolled atonic postpartum hemorrhage delivered by cesarean section at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital between January 2013 and October 2015. Participants were randomly assigned following simple randomization procedures (computerized random numbers) and divided into two groups. Group, I (80 patients) operated upon by the modified (new technique) stitch while group II (80 patients) operated upon by the classic technique. The ultimate goals were to stop blood loss after placement of the sutures and avoid life-saving hysterectomy thus preserving the life and fertility of the patient.

Results

The modified new technique was done in 80 patients with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and it was found to be superior to the classic technique with a success rate 95 % (4 cases needed hysterectomy as a lifesaving measure) compared to 85 % with the classic technique (in 12 cases, a life-saving hysterectomy was done).

Conclusions

This technique can replace the classic B-lynch in flabby unresponsive atonic uteri as it has 8 shaped placement of the stitch which causes more firm compression on the uterus and simultaneous bilateral uterine artery ligation. This technique was proved valuable and successful in many patients who suffer from uncontrolled massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Uterine folding hemostasis: a simpler and safer technique for controlling atonic postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of a uterine folding hemostatic technique in controlling atonic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Thirty-nine women with severe postpartum bleeding from uterine inertia, which did not react to conventional initial management protocols, underwent a uterine folding hemostasis. The procedure was to fold the uterine fundus onto the anterior wall of the corpus uterus using an absorbable suture that thread tautly through the inner myometrial layer of the uterus 1-3 cm below the fundus (not entered into uterine cavity) and 1-2 cm above and below the CS incision (entered into uterine cavity 2-4 cm medal to bilateral border of the uterus).

RESULTS

The technique was sufficient to stanch bleeding immediately in 32 patients (82.1 %). Seven women underwent hypogastric arteries ligation (1 case) or uterine arterial embolization (6 cases) because of continuous bleeding after the procedure. There were no morbidities or abnormalities of the uterus in these 32 patients. Eight women had pregnancies after this hemostasis and the others lacked the desire for future pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Uterine folding hemostasis is a simple, safe and effective technique to control the atonic PPH.

Tourniquet device for hemorrhage control during cesarean section of complete placenta previa pregnancies

AIM

To reduce massive and potentially fatal hemorrhage during cesarean section (CS) delivery because of the transverse incision through the lower uterine segment and placenta in central placenta previa (CPP), especially the type in which the placenta attaches to the anterior wall of the uterus.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with CPP were enrolled in the study and 14 of them accepted the tourniquet method. The main outcome evaluations were blood loss, the proportion of red blood cell-transfused patients, the need for other hemostatic procedures and complications in either the mother or infant after the completion of the tourniquet procedure.

RESULTS

A statistically significant benefit was noted between the two groups of the frequency of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), the median estimated blood loss and the proportion of transfused patients. The effectiveness of the tourniquet method could be further proved by the relative risk with confidence intervals for PPH data and additional procedures.

CONCLUSION

The clinical data of 34 patients show that this is an effective surgical treatment to reduce blood loss and suggest that there is negligible harm to patients and fetuses.

Fertility rate and subsequent pregnancy outcomes after conservative surgical techniques in postpartum hemorrhage: 15 years of literature

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the most appropriate surgical technique for optimizing hemostasis and preservation of subsequent fertility after postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

None.

INTERVENTION(S)

Review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Comparison of the effectiveness of conservative surgical techniques, separately or together, with respect to success rate (ability to stop bleeding and preserve the uterus), fertility rate (subsequent pregnancies or the return of regular menstrual cycles), complication rate of the procedure, and the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies in terms of type of delivery and eventual delivery complications.

RESULT(S)

Compressive sutures and vessel embolization may be considered life-saving procedures by achieving the best hemostatic efficacy. Data on restoration of menses and pregnancy rates after these procedures are limited by short-term follow-up and by the paucity of studies, especially for vascular ligation.

CONCLUSION(S)

Pelvic vessel embolization and compressive sutures are associated with high rates of restoration of regular menses and successive pregnancies, even if the former is burdened by an increased rate of placental disorders and fetal growth restriction and the latter by an increased risk of cesarean deliveries and PPH recurrence. Randomized trials would be desirable to define the best management of PPH.

Risk of postpartum uterine synechiae following uterine compression suturing during postpartum haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Uterine compression suturing is considered a successful, safe, inexpensive and simple ‎method for the conservative treatment of atonic postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). However, insufficient data are available about the potential risk of subsequent intrauterine ‎synechiae (IUS).

AIM

To determine the risk of postpartum uterine synechiae in women who received isolated uterine compression suturing for the management of major uncontrolled PPH.

MATERIALS & METHODS

All women with major PPH from May 2005 to June 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed to assess the uterine cavity in the 27 women who successfully underwent isolated uterine compression suturing for major atonic PPH and fulfilled the study inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Among the 27 women who underwent isolated uterine compression suturing, 5 (18.5%) were found to have IUS on hysteroscopic examination. The mode of delivery for all women who developed IUS was caesarean section. Among these five women, three had mild IUS, one had moderate IUS and one had severe IUS. All adhesions were later successfully resected by hysteroscopy, except for one case with dense IUS.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine compression suturing was found to be associated with a risk of postpartum uterine synechiae formation, which may subsequently affect future fertility.

Transfundal uterine incision performed with prophylactic common iliac artery balloon occlusion for patient with placenta previa totalis

A 37-year-old primigravida at 35 weeks of gestation presented with known anterior wall dominant placenta previa totalis and suspected placenta accreta was successfully treated with transfundal uterine (transverse) incision performed with prophylactic common iliac artery balloon occlusion. This new surgical approach could be an alternative procedure for avoiding excessive blood loss during caesarean delivery.

The B-Lynch technique for the management of intraoperative uterine atony

This paper reports the experience of 150 B-Lynch suture applications for the management of uterine atony during caesarean section that did not respond to conventional therapeutical measures. Technique was considered effective if the need for hysterectomy was avoided. High-risk antenatal obstetrical conditions included: pre-eclampsia (12%), oligohydramnios (8%), polyhydramnios (4.7%). A total of 36% were primigravid, 66% had been in active labour, 4.7% received misoprostol and 26.7% used oxytocin for labour augmentation. Suture was successful in 95.3%, with only five cases requiring hysterectomy combined with uterine artery ligation and two uterine artery ligations alone to control bleeding and uterine atony ('floppiness'). Although 26.7% of cases required transfusions, no maternal deaths were reported, and overall women were discharged after a median 4-day hospital stay without further complications upon follow-up. The B-Lynch technique was an effective intraoperative measure to control uterine atony. Despite the encouraging results, long term assessment on a larger sample is needed in our clinical scenario.

Use of hemostatic gel in postpartum hemorrhage due to placenta previa

BACKGROUND

Hemostasis for placenta previa is notoriously difficult because of the poor contractility of the lower segment. A hemostatic gel offers a new type of hemostatic matrix, which may have advantages.

CASE

A 35-year-old woman had a postpartum hemorrhage despite the use of uterotonics 2 hours after cesarean delivery for major placenta previa. On relaparotomy, heavy oozing from the placental site was found. Difficult accessibility and profuse bleeding prompted the consideration of alternative treatment with the topical application of hemostatic gel over the lower segment, which achieved hemostasis within minutes.

CONCLUSION

Hemostatic gel is easily applicable and provides quick and effective hemostatic control in the lower segment, where surgical intervention may be difficult.

Uterine compression suture may be useful not only for hemostasis in postpartum hemorrhage but also for prophylaxis of acute recurrence of uterine inversion

Uterine compression suture is a safe and effective technique for hemostasis in postpartum hemorrhage. This technique was useful for the prophylaxis of acute recurrence of uterine inversion, which was repositioned under laparotomy. We add a new compression suture to the list of those introduced by earlier researchers.