Unintentional transvesical caesarean section: incidence, risk factors, surgical technique and post-operative management

Iatrogenic bladder injury following gynecologic and obstetric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic bladder injury is a rare complication following obstetric and gynecologic surgery and only sparse information is available regarding length of transurethral catheterization following injuries, suturing techniques including choice of suture, and complications. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate length of transurethral catheterization in relation to complications following iatrogenic bladder injury. Second, we aimed to evaluate the number of complications following repair of iatrogenic bladder injuries and to describe suture technique and best choice of suture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Medline electronic databases were searched, and followed by screening from two independent reviewers. Studies published between January 2000 and March 2023 describing methods of bladder injury repair following obstetric or gynecologic benign surgery were included. Data extraction was done using Covidence. We performed a meta-analysis on complications after repair and explored this with a meta-regression analysis (Metafor package R) on length of catheterization to determine if length of catheterization influenced the risk of complication. A risk of bias tool from Cochrane was used to assess risk of bias and the study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021290586).

RESULTS

Out of 2175 articles, we included 21 retrospective studies, four prospective studies, and one case-control study. In total, 595 bladder injuries were included. Cesarean section was the most prominent surgery type, followed by laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. We found no statistically significant association between length of transurethral catheterization and numbers of complications following repair of iatrogenic bladder injuries. More than 90% of injuries were recognized intraoperatively. Approximately 1% had complications following iatrogenic bladder injury repair (0.010, 95% confidence interval 0.0015-0.0189, 26 studies, 595 participants, I2  = 4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review did not identify conclusive evidence on the length of postoperative catheterization following bladder injury warranting further research. However, the rate of complications was low following iatrogenic bladder injury with a wide range of repair approaches.

The Application Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Assessing the Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Lauromacrogol Injections in Cesarean Scar Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injections in patients with cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP).

METHODS

A total of 31 patients diagnosed with CSP, who underwent an ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection + curettage in our hospital between February 2019 and December 2020 and had a complete recovery confirmed by a postoperative ultrasound review and serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) assay, were enrolled as the study subjects. According to the volume of intraoperative blood loss and the duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding, the patients were divided into two groups, with 19 in the significantly effective group (Group A) and 12 in the effective group (Group B). The recorded clinical data, including age, duration of amenorrhea, number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, time since last cesarean delivery, number of cesarean deliveries, and preoperative serum β-hCG levels, were retrospectively analyzed. The morphological indicators in CEUS before the lauromacrogol injection, as well as immediately and 12-24 hours after the injection, were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In Group A, the post-injection CEUS showed no enhancement, single strip enhancement, and sparse punctate enhancement, while in Group B, it showed a more irregular ring and local patch enhancement. In addition, the number of cases where the CEUS showed no enhancement 12-24 hours after the injection was more than that of the immediate CEUS after the injection. In Group A, four (21.1%) cases showed a single strip-like blood flow on the immediate postoperative CEUS, four (21.1%) cases showed a sparsely dotted blood flow on the immediate postoperative CEUS, and three cases turned into no enhancement 12-24 hours after the injection. A total of four cases in Group B showed that the contrast enhancement range 12-24 hours after the injection was reduced compared with that of the immediate contrast after the injection.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can guide the location selection of the lauromacrogol injection in patients with CSP, and its postoperative morphological indicators can adequately predict the therapeutic effect after curettage and guide clinical management.

A neglected cervicovesical fistula diagnosed and repaired by combined hysteroscopy and laparoscopy: A case report and review of literature

Objective

To analyze a case of neglected cervicovesical fistula with intrauterine adhesions caused by cesarean section.

Methods

A 36-year-old female patient with a history of two previous cesarean sections complained of the absence of menstruation for the last 18 months. The diagnosis of the cervicovesical fistula was made through hysteroscopy and cystoscopy. The reconstruction of the uterus and bladder was achieved by a laparoscopic repair technique.

Results

The patient resumed normal menstruation postoperatively without complaining of any complications. Uterine continuity and cavity had been restored to normal at the second look of hysteroscopy.

Conclusions

Cervicovesical fistula with intrauterine adhesions is very rare in our clinical work. Hysteroscopy might play an essential role in diagnosing cervicovesical fistula and IUA. In our literature review, a surgical approach was the mainstay and definitive management of the cervicovesical fistula following a cesarean section.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention and the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage: a systematic review

Tranexamic acid (TA) has been proposed for preventing or treating primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. We conducted a systematic literature search to the TA role in managing PPH in vaginal and caesarean delivery. Twenty-seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (33,302 women) were identified. Three RCTs investigated TA for preventing PPH after vaginal delivery and 22 after caesarean section. None demonstrated a preventive effect on secondary clinical outcomes related to blood loss. Two trials evaluated TA for treating PPH after vaginal and caesarean delivery. Only the WOMAN trial showed that 1 g of TA is effective. In conclusion, TA is considered useful and is recommended or advised for treating PPH. Conversely, available evidence on the prophylactic role is still limited, and this use is not supported. Further investigation is recommended. In this regard, stronger and more reliable outcomes than blood loss should be considered.

Predictors of Non-Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery Among Mothers Who Gave Birth in Wachemo University Specialized Hospital, Hossana, Ethiopia, 2021

Introduction

Non-spontaneous vaginal delivery, such as cesarean delivery and operative vaginal deliveries, provides births other than regular vaginal pregnancy. In taking effective steps to minimize the caesarean section rate and the issues associated with it, it would be useful to examine the determinants of instrumental deliveries and their key indications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine magnitude and related factors of non-spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Methods

Facility-based analytical cross-sectional study design was used. A total sample size of 383 was used. All mothers who gave birth during data collection period and fulfill inclusion criteria were included in the study. Interviewer-administered data collection method was used. Data were entered in Epi-data and exported to SPSS to analyze both descriptive and advanced analysis.

Results

About 24.4% of mothers’ mode of delivery was non-spontaneous vaginal delivery. Those mothers whose occupation was housewives were 2.8 times more likely to give birth through non-spontaneous vaginal delivery than mothers whose occupation was teachers (AOR = 2.8 95% CI 1.103–7.261). Mothers with grand multipara were less likely to give birth through non-spontaneous vaginal delivery than nulliparous (AOR = 0.10 95% CI 0.022–0.468) and primipara (AOR = 0.17 95% CI 0.041–0.671). Mothers with complications during pregnancy were 3 times more likely to give birth via non-spontaneous vaginal delivery than mothers without complications during pregnancy. Mothers with non-macrosomic neonates and female neonatal sex were less likely experiencing to give birth through non-spontaneous vaginal delivery as compared to their respective reference groups.

Conclusion

Magnitude of non-spontaneous vaginal delivery was high in this study. Being a housewife, having complications during pregnancy, nullipara and primipara, macrosomic fetus and male neonate were associated with outcome variable. Attention should be given for the housewives, experiencing complication during pregnancy, a fetus with big weight and male neonatal sex in order to minimize risks of non-spontaneous delivery.

Infection-associated hospitalizations of women in labour

BACKGROUND

The article analyzes hospitalizations of women in the postpartum period in the Małopolska Province. Re-hospitalization of women as a result of puerperal complications may be used as an infection control quality measure in this patient population.

METHODS

It was a population-based, retrospective analysis using data obtained from the Polish National Health Fund (paying for medical services, financed by all Polish employees contributing 9% of their salaries), collected routinely in 2013-14. The analysis encompassed 29 hospitals and 68 894 childbirths.

RESULTS

In total, 1.7% of women were re-hospitalized and 563 of these re-hospitalizations (0.8%) were due to infection. Re-hospitalizations due to infections were significantly more often recorded among women who lived in villages compared with inhabitants of towns (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.23-1.98; P < 0.001) and in women giving birth in primary referral hospitals in comparison with the second referral or clinical hospitals (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.69-4.65; P < 0.001). On the one hand, the results of the study indicate that, in patients giving birth, the infection control system is not sensitive enough, and on the other hand, more detailed studies need to cover primary referral hospitals, specifically.

CONCLUSIONS

The problem of the infection-associated hospitalizations in the postpartum period is not reliably assessed by infection control professionals and constitutes a challenge for surveillance, including prevention and control. Complications associated with childbirth should be an indication of the quality of healthcare provision and knowledge of the scale of the problem should be the basis for its evaluation and prevention. This is especially true for infections in puerperas.

Pelvic floor dysfunction one year after first childbirth in relation to perineal tear severity

The aims of this study were to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms one year after delivery and investigate whether adverse functional outcomes after childbirth were related to the degree of perineal injury. A prospective cohort of 776 primiparas were included. Self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire. Women with no/first-degree injuries, second-degree injuries, third-/fourth-degree injuries (obstetric anal sphincter injury, OASI) and cesarean section were compared. A total of 511 women (66%) responded. Second-degree tears were a risk factor for stress incontinence (aOR 2.6 (95% CI 1.3–5.1)). Cesarean section was protective against stress incontinence (aOR 0.2 (95% CI 0.1–0.9)). OASI was a risk factor for urge incontinence (aOR 4.8 (95% CI 1.6–15)), prolapse (aOR 7.7 (95% CI 2.1–29)) and pelvic pain (OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.1–10)). Dyspareunia was reported by 38% of women, 63% of women in the OASI group (aOR 3.1 (95% CI 1.1–9.0)). Women with OASI reported that the injury affected daily life (OR 18 (95% CI 5.1–59)). Pelvic floor dysfunction is common after childbirth, even in women with moderate injury. Women with OASI had significantly higher risks of symptoms of prolapse, urge urinary incontinence, pain, dyspareunia and impacts on daily life.

Idiopathic and secondary restless legs syndrome during pregnancy in Japan: Prevalence, clinical features and delivery-related outcomes

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of idiopathic and secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS) according to pregnancy trimester, and its effects on delivery-related outcomes among pregnant women in Japan.

Methods

This was a single-center, prospective observational study. One hundred eighty-two consecutive pregnant women participated in the study from June 2014 to March 2016. Participants were interviewed and examined in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and 1 month after delivery. At each term, RLS was identified by a research assistant and then specialist in sleep medicine based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Delivery-related data was collected from medical charts. RLS was classified as idiopathic RLS, which originally existed before the index pregnancy, or secondary RLS, which newly appeared during the index pregnancy.

Results

The prevalence of RLS was 4.9% (idiopathic 3.3%, secondary 1.6%) in the second trimester, 5.0% (idiopathic 0.0%, secondary 5.0%) in the third trimester, and 0.6% (idiopathic 0.0%, secondary 0.6%) after delivery. Prolonged labor, emergency Cesarean section, and arrest of labor tended to be more frequent in idiopathic and/or second RLS (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of RLS during pregnancy was 4–5% and decreases after delivery in current Japan. The presence of RLS was associated with an increase in some delivery-related outcomes. Early detection and treatment of RLS during pregnancy may be beneficial to safe delivery for pregnant women.

The Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure: case report of a multidisciplinary team approach

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

The EXIT-to-airway procedure is aimed to provide the time required to secure airways when an extrinsic or intrinsic fetal mass raise concerns about airways control at delivery. Due to the rarity of the procedure, we aim to provide a summary of the appropriate prenatal planning by a multidisciplinary team.

METHODS

Report of a case of EXIT-to-airway procedure.

RESULTS

A 30 years-old woman, G2P1 with previous cesarean section, was referred to our Unit at 34 gestational weeks due to a fetal cervical mass of 7cm. An EXIT-to-airways procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team after accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations. The partial fetal extraction and the amnioinfusion of pre-heated saline were used to prevent fetal complications. The use of supplemental intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil and better control of uterine tone with nitroglycerin allowed to reduce the exposure to volatile halogen for both the mother and the fetus. The accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations allowed us to perform the treatment safely in urgency due to the onset of spontaneous labor at 37 weeks and 6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong cooperation among specialists, accurate prenatal planning, and adopting all the required procedures and precautions are of paramount importance to successfully perform the EXIT-to-airway procedure.

CT Imaging Characteristics and Influence Factors of Renal Dialysis-Associated Peritoneal Injury

Peritoneal dialysis (PD), as one of the main renal replacement modalities for end-stage renal disease, gets the advantages of better protection of residual renal function and better quality of survival. However, ultrafiltration failure after peritoneal injury is an important reason for patients to withdraw from PD treatment. Peritonitis is a major complication of peritoneal dialysis, which results in an accelerated process of peritoneal injury due to direct damage from acute inflammation and local release of cytokine TGF-β. In this paper, the application of ultrasound to examine the peritoneum revealed a positive correlation between peritoneal thickness and the development of peritonitis. The results of this study also further confirmed the effect of peritonitis on peritoneal thickening. A multifactorial regression analysis also revealed that peritonitis and its severity were independent risk factors for peritoneal thickening and omental structural abnormalities. This paper reported a correlation between mural peritoneal thickness and peritoneal transit function. In this study, patients with high peritoneal transit and high mean transit were found to be more prone to omental structural abnormalities than patients with low mean and low transit and a higher proportion of patients with mural peritoneal thickening, but this did not reach statistical significance, which may be related to the still small number of cases.

Role of cesarean section in the development of neonatal gut microbiota: A systematic review

Background

The delivery mode is one of the factors affecting the type of colonization of the human gut. Gut colonization affects all stages of the human life cycle, and the type of gut microbiome can contribute to immune system function, the development of some diseases, and brain development; and it has a significant impact on a newborn’s growth and development.

Methods

Terms defined as MeSH keywords were searched by the databases, and web search engines such as PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched between 2010 and 2020. The quality of each study was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and seven eligible and high-quality studies were analyzed.

Finding

The abundances of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium during the first 3 months of life; Lactobacillus and Bacteroides during the second 3 months of life; Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium during the second 6 months of life; and Bacteroides, Enterobacter, and Streptococcus after the first year of life were higher in vaginal delivery-born infants. While infants born by cesarean section (CS) had higher abundances of Clostridium and Lactobacillus during the first 3 months of life, Enterococcus and Clostridium during the second 3 months of life, and Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus after the first year of life.

Discussion

Delivery mode can affect the type of the human intestinal microbiota. The CS-born babies had lower colonization rates of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides, but they had higher colonization rates of Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus. Given the effect of microbiota colonization on neonatal health, it is therefore recommended to conduct further studies in order to investigate the effect of the colonization on the delivery mode and on baby’s growth and development.

Application to practice

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CS in the development of the neonatal gut microbiota.

Timing of term elective cesarean section and adverse neonatal outcomes: A multi-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Rate of cesarean section (CS), including elective CS has globally increased. Studies have found that term elective CS before 39 weeks of gestation is associated with increased risk of adverse respiratory outcomes.

Objective

To determine the rate of elective CS and examine the association between timing of elective term CS and adverse neonatal outcomes in a large population of Lebanese women.

Methods

A Multi-Center Study was conducted using data from the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network database. Simple and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between timing of term elective CS and adverse neonatal outcomes. Some of the neonatal adverse outcomes we examined included respiratory distress syndrome, admission to the NICU, and a composite of respiratory outcomes.

Results

A total of 28,997 low risk mothers who delivered through primary and repeat elective CS were included in the study. Uncomplicated elective planned term CS constituted 25% of all CS deliveries in Lebanon. Primary and repeat CS at 37 weeks of gestation increased the odds of most of the studied adverse neonatal outcomes. There were few associations between CS and adverse neonatal outcomes at 38 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions

Term primary and repeat cesarean delivery prior to 39 weeks of gestation is associated with respiratory and other adverse neonatal outcomes. Delaying birth 1–2 weeks till 39 weeks of gestation can prevent 64–77% of adverse respiratory outcomes.

Risk assessment of shoulder dystocia via the difference between transverse abdominal and biparietal diameters: A retrospective observational cohort study

Shoulder dystocia is defined as vaginal cephalic delivery that requires additional obstetric maneuvers to deliver the fetus after the head has been delivered and gentle traction has failed. A bigger difference between the transverse abdominal diameter (TAD) (abdominal circumference [AC]/π) and biparietal diameter (BPD) (TAD-BPD) has been reported as a risk factor for shoulder dystocia in different countries; however, it remains unclear if this relationship is relevant in Japan. This study aimed to clarify the association between TAD-BPD and shoulder dystocia after adjusting for potential confounding factors in a Japanese cohort. We retrospectively examined 1,866 Japanese women who delivered vaginally between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks of gestation at the University of Yamanashi Hospital between June 2012 and November 2018. The cutoff value of TAD-BPD associated with shoulder dystocia and the association between TAD-BPD and shoulder dystocia were evaluated. The mean maternal age was 32.5±5.3 years; the patients included 1,053 nulliparous women (57.5%), 915 male infants (49.0%), 154 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (8.3%), and 5 infants with macrosomia (0.3%). The mean TAD-BPD was 9.03±4.7 mm. The overall incidence of shoulder dystocia was 2.4% (44/1866). The cutoff value to predict shoulder dystocia was 12.0 mm (sensitivity, 61.4%; specificity, 73.8%; likelihood ratio, 2.34; positive predictive value, 5.4%; negative predictive value, 98.8%). We then used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between TAD-BPD and shoulder dystocia while controlling for the potential confounding factors. In multivariate analyses, TAD-BPD ≥12.0 mm (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35-8.18) and GDM (adjusted OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.71-7.52) were associated with shoulder dystocia. Although TAD-BPD appears to be a relevant risk factor for shoulder dystocia, sonographic fetal anthropometric measures do not appear to be useful in screening for shoulder dystocia due to a low positive predictive value.

Moderate rate of implementation of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: does it improve neonatal well-being? A case-control study

Before 2013, almost none of the cesarean section (CS) deliveries at our institution were performed with spinal anesthesia (SA), but after 2013 SA became the first-choice anesthesia for CS because it achieved better neonatal outcomes. However, the current rate of SA implementation at our institution was estimated to be approx. 60-70%, which is intermediate between these at other institutions in Japan or in other countries. This raises a question: What rate of SA use among CS cases achieves the best neonatal outcomes? To answer this question, we conducted this single-center case-control study with 1326 CS cases between 1994 and 2017 and compared the neonatal outcomes before to those after 2013. The logistic regression models were prepared to estimate the risk of birth asphyxia defined as a 5-min Apgar of < 7, associated with eight potential confounders, including the modified anesthetic protocol. The modified protocol was not a significant independent factor for neonatal asphyxia, indicating that our moderate SA priority protocol did not improve the neonatal outcomes even when compared to the outcomes at a 0% SA rate. A > 70% rate of SA implementation may be needed to provide better neonatal outcomes.

Clarithromycin use for adjunct surgical prophylaxis before non-elective cesarean deliveries to adapt to azithromycin shortages in COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate safety and effectiveness of clarithromycin as adjunctive antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing non-elective cesarean delivery in comparison with no macrolides, to adapt to azithromycin shortages in COVID-19 pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a multi-center, prospective observational cohort study from March 23, 2020 through June 1, 2020. We followed all women receiving either clarithromycin or no macrolide antibiotic for adjunct surgical prophylaxis for non-elective cesarean deliveries. The primary outcome was development of postpartum endometritis. Secondary outcomes included meconium-stained amniotic fluid at time of cesarean delivery, neonatal sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. All patients in this study were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection and resulted negative.

RESULTS

This study included 240 patients, with 133 patients receiving clarithromycin and 107 patients receiving no adjunct macrolide prophylaxis. Patients receiving clarithromycin were noted to have significantly lower rates of postpartum endometritis as compared to those who did not receive adjunct prophylaxis (4.5% versus 11.2%, p = 0.025). In crude (unadjusted) analysis, a significantly lower risk of developing endometritis was noted in the clarithromycin group as compared to the control group (66% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.95, p = 0.040). When adjusted for perceived confounders, a significant difference was again noted (67% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.97, p = 0.034). Stratified analysis of significantly different demographic factors including Black race, BMI, and age was performed. A significantly decreased risk of development of endometritis when taking clarithromycin versus no adjunct macrolide was noted for Black race women in crude and adjusted models (crude: 87% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.83, p = 0.032; adjusted: 91% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.79, p = 0.026). This was also noted for women aged 18-29 years in crude and adjusted models (crude: model, 79% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.80, p = 0.014; adjusted model: 75% decreased risk, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.94, p = 0.028). All other stratified analyses did not yield significant differences in endometritis risk.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that administration of clarithromycin for adjunctive surgical prophylaxis for non-elective cesarean deliveries may be a safe option that may provide suitable endometritis prophylaxis in cases where azithromycin is unavailable, as was the case during the start of COVID-19 pandemic, most especially for Black race women and women ages 18-29 years.

Pregnancy outcomes after hysteroscopic surgery in women with cesarean scar syndrome

Cesarean scar defect often causes postmenstrual abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, which are collectively known as cesarean scar syndrome (CSS). Several studies have reported that hysteroscopic surgery can restore fertility in women with CSS. The study aimed to identify factors that influence subsequent pregnancy following hysteroscopic surgery. Therefore, we studied 38 women with secondary infertility due to CSS who underwent hysteroscopic surgery at Shiga University of Medical Hospital between July 2014 and July 2019. Our hysteroscopic procedure included inferior edge resection and superficial cauterization of the cesarean scar defect under laparoscopic guidance. Patients were followed up for 3 to 40 months after surgery. Surgery was successful in all cases and no complications were observed. Twenty-seven patients (71%) became pregnant (pregnant group), while 11 (29%) did not (non-pregnant group). Baseline characteristics of age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, previous cesarean section, presence of endometriosis, retroflex uterus, and preoperative residual myometrial thickness were not significantly different between the groups. However, the median residual myometrium thickness was significantly higher after surgery than before surgery in the pregnant group (1.9 [1.1-3.6] vs 4.9 [3.4-6.6] mm, P<0.0001), whereas this difference was not significant in the non-pregnant group. Of those who became pregnant, 85% conceived within 2 years of surgery. Although three pregnancies resulted in abortion and one is ongoing at the time of writing, 23 pregnancies resulted in healthy babies at 35-38 gestational weeks by scheduled cesarean sections with no obstetrical complications due to hysteroscopic surgery. The average birth weight was 3,076 g. Our findings support that hysteroscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for secondary infertility due to CSS. The thickness of the residual myometrium may be a key factor that influences subsequent pregnancy in women with CSS.

Is Primary Cesarean Section a Cause of Increasing Cesarean Section Rates in Greece?

INTRODUCTION

Cesarean Section is a surgical procedure which can be life saving and necessary in some circumstances. Nonetheless, Cesarean Delivery continues to result in increased complications for subsequent deliveries as well as increased financial costs. This phenomenon raises concerns over the growing rates of Cesarean deliveries among women at low risk for a complicated birth whose first delivery was by Cesarean Section for non-medical reasons.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine whether PCS is a main factor in the overall percentage of CS in Greece and define the causes of elective and emergency cesarean sections in primary ones.

METHODS

From 365 cesarean deliveries during the research period, a sample of 162 women who underwent a primary cesarean section at a Greek University hospital has consented to participate. Medical and demographic data as well as data from women's medical dossier were used in the day 3 postpartum.

RESULTS

Out of 162 primiparous mothers, 38.9% underwent an emergency cesarean section and 61.1% an elective cesarean section. Furthermore, the results show that women, who had been diagnosed with stress disorders or depression, with abnormal fetal heart rate, pathological NST/Doppler and had developed complications after cesarean section, were more likely to undergo an emergency cesarean delivery.

CONCLUSION

This survey shows the lack of evidence-based guidelines in obstetrician's practice and the lack of perinatal support centers in Greece. Primary CS can be characterized as a key factor in the overall increase of CS, given the vicious cycle of recurrence of a Cesarean delivery.

Magnitude of Cesarean Section Delivery and Its Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth at Public Hospitals in Northern Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries around the world performed whenever abnormal conditions complicate labour and vaginal delivery, threatening the life or health of the mother or the baby. Although the cesarean section is a safe operation, when it is performed without medical need, it puts mothers and their babies at risk of short- and long-term health problems. However, the factors are not persistent and there is limited information concerning the levels of cesarean section delivery and its associated factors in public hospitals of North Wollo Zone. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of cesarean section and associated factors in hospitals of North Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods and Materials

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 433 mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of North Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia, from March 01 to 30, 2019. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify independent predictors of cesarean section.

Results

The magnitude of cesarean section delivery was 30.9% (95% CI, 26.8–35.3). Being urban resident (AOR=4.04, 95% CI: 2.19–7.45), malpresentation (AOR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.29–5.05), having a previous cesarean section (AOR=9.11, 95% CI: 3.77–22.01) and antepartum haemorrhage (AOR=8.65, 95% CI: 3.82–19.56) were statistically and positively associated with cesarean section delivery.

Conclusion

The magnitude of cesarean section delivery among mothers who gave birth at North Wollo Zone public hospitals was high. Residence, antepartum haemorrhage, having a previous cesarean section, and malpresentation were factors associated with cesarean section. Therefore, health education and giving a clear picture regarding the risks and benefits of cesarean section as well as avoiding unjustified cesarean section delivery should be encouraged.

Differences in pregnancy complications and outcomes by fetal gender among Japanese women: a multicenter cross-sectional study

The association between fetal gender and rare pregnancy complications has not been extensively investigated, and no studies have examined this association in Japanese women. Thus, we used a large Japanese birth registry database to investigate the extent to which fetal gender affects various pregnancy outcomes. We analyzed 1,098,268 women with a singleton delivery with no congenital anomaly at 22 weeks or later between 2007 and 2015. Women carrying a male fetus had a significantly higher risk of placental abruption (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.20)], preterm delivery (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.19–1.22), instrumental delivery (aRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.26–1.29), and cesarean delivery (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02). In contrast, they had a significantly lower risk of preeclampsia (aRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94), placenta accreta (aRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.96), atonic hemorrhage (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.93–0.96), and maternal blood transfusion (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). Our findings demonstrate a significant association between fetal gender and various pregnancy complications and delivery outcomes among Japanese women.

Surgical site infections following caesarean sections at Emirati teaching hospital: Incidence and implicated factors

The rate of delivery by caesarean sections is increasing globally and, therefore, the incidence of post-caesarean surgical site infections (SSIs) is probably also going to rise. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of SSIs after caesarean operations and to explore the factors associated with an increased risk of post-caesarean SSIs. A retrospective study was performed to assess all women who underwent caesarean sections from January 2016 to December 2017 at Al Ain Hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Backward multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to specify the variables that were significantly and independently connected with the development of post-caesarean SSIs. In total, 807 women underwent caesarean deliveries at the study site hospital during the two-year study period (January 2016-December 2017). Post-operative SSI was detected in 11 (1.4%) of the women who underwent caesarean operations. Of these, 11 (100%) women were diagnosed post-discharge, within 30 days after the date of the surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased gestational age (P = 0.045) was significantly and independently associated with the development of post-caesarean SSI. Increased gestational age was found to be an independent predictor of post-caesarean SSIs. This identified risk factor should inform targeted health care policies to reduce the rate of SSIs.

Uterine Isthmus Tourniquet during Abdominal Myomectomy: Support or Hazard? A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A tourniquet has been suggested as a useful means of reducing massive hemorrhage during myomectomy. However, it is not clear whether the restricted perfusion affects the ovaries. In the present study, we examined the effect of a tourniquet on ovarian reserve and blood loss during myomectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized double-blind clinical trial, fertile nonobese patients scheduled for abdominal myomectomy at Rasool-e-Akram Hospital from February 2018 to June 2019 were randomized to a tourniquet (n = 46) or a non-tourniquet group (n = 35). Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured before and 3 months after surgery, blood loss was recorded during surgery, and serum levels of hemoglobin (Hb) were recorded before surgery, 6 h and 3 days after surgery. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Demographic, obstetric, and myoma characteristics were similar in the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The mean baseline values of AMH and FSH did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). After surgery, only FSH was higher in the control group (p = 0.043). Despite the time taken to fasten and open the tourniquet, the mean operating time was shorter in the tourniquet group (p < 0.001). Blood loss was higher in the control group (p = 0.005). The drop in Hb levels at 6 h after surgery was higher in the non-tourniquet group (p = 0.002). Blood loss was significantly associated with the duration of surgery (r = 0.523, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of a tourniquet during abdominal myomectomy significantly reduced the mean volume of blood loss compared to the non-tourniquet group, while it did not prolong the duration of surgery, nor reduced the ovarian reserve. A tourniquet is a safe and efficient measure during abdominal myomectomy.

A randomized controlled trial of cystoinflation to prevent bladder injury in the adhesive disease of multiple caesarean sections

Caesarean sections carry the risk of urinary bladder injury due to formation of adhesions obscuring pelvic planes. Visualizing bladder during retro-fill (cystoinflation) makes it recognizable as it rises into the abdomen taking a tense rounded contour. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to find out whether improved identification of bladder margins by cystoinflation could decrease bladder injury rate and blood loss without causing urological complications. This study included 214 healthy women with previous operative deliveries undergoing elective caesarean section and found to have dense pelvic adhesions. The subjects were randomly allocated into cystoinflation and control groups. Adhesiolysis was performed using bladder retro-fill with 300 cc saline in cystoinflation group, and without retro-fill in control. The bladder injury rate was significantly lower in cystoinflation group compared to control (2.8% vs 20.6%, P < .0001) with lesser blood loss in cystoinflation group (585.33 cc vs 797.10 cc, P < .0001). Mean operative time was similar in both groups. Urinary tract infection and micturition problems occurred more frequently in control group than cystoinflation group (16.8% vs 1.9%, P = .001 and .47 ± 1.63% vs 077 ± .633%, P = .021 respectively) with fistula in one subject compared to none in cystoinflation group. In this study, cystoinflation was effective to significantly reduce bladder injury rate and blood loss. This technique may also prove useful in the fields of surgery, urology and urogynecology.

Analysis of Myomectomy during Cesarean Section: A Tertiary Center Experience

PURPOSE

This study analyzed the safety of myomectomy during the cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

Pregnant women who underwent myomectomy during CS in a tertiary center between January 2015 and November 2019 were included in the study in Group A, and pregnant women who did not have myoma and who underwent only CS were included in the study in Group B. The following information was obtained from patient files in hospital archives and was then recorded and compared: age, gravidity, parity, gestational week, characteristics of the myomas (i.e., location, size, number, and type), duration of surgery, perioperative complications, need for blood transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) values, duration of surgery, and hospital stay duration.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients underwent CS plus myomectomy (Group A), and 80 patients (without myoma) underwent only CS (Group B).There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative Hb values or blood transfusion rates (p > 0.05). Hospitalization and surgery duration were significantly higher in the group that underwent CS myomectomy (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean myoma size was 8.3 ± 4.1 cm in Group A. There was a statistically significant and inverse correlation between the size of the myoma and the delivery week (p = 0.035). There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between the myoma size and hospital stay (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy during CS is safe and can be applied regardless of the location, size, type, and number of myomas. However, to make myomectomy routine during CS, multi-center studies that include more cases are needed.

Association between Stress Urinary Incontinence and Depressive Symptoms after Birth: the Czech ELSPAC Study

The study objectives were to (1) identify risk factors related to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and postnatal depression (PD) after birth, and (2) investigate both possible directions of association between SUI and PD in population-based sample of Czech mothers. 3,701 nulliparous and multiparous women completed the self-reported questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6 months after birth and were included into the analyses of this prospective cohort study. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions examined relationship between SUI a PD accounting for range of other risk factors. During the first 6 months after birth, 650 mothers (17.6%) developed SUI and 641 (17.3%) displayed signs of PD. The mode of delivery, parity and higher BMI were associated with SUI. The rate of PD symptoms was higher in mothers with positive history of prenatal depression, and in divorced or widowed mothers. Both conditions were associated with worse self-reported health, back pain and stop-smoker status. Initially, SUI at 6 weeks was slightly, but significantly associated with onset of PD at 6 months (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.23) while PD at 6 weeks was not significantly related to new cases of SUI at 6 months (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.91–2.39). After full adjustment these OR reduced to 1.41 and 1.38 (both non-significant), respectively. SUI and PD are common conditions in women postpartum that share some risk factors. Our study suggests that both directions of their relationship are possible although a larger study is needed to confirm our findings.

Understanding Factors Leading to Primary Cesarean Section and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (North-Eastern Italy), 2005-2015

Although there is no evidence that elevated rates of cesarean sections (CS) translate into reduced maternal/child perinatal morbidity or mortality, CS have been increasingly overused almost everywhere, both in high and low-income countries. The primary cesarean section (PCS) has become a major driver of the overall CS (OCS) rate, since it carries intrinsic risk of repeat CS (RCS) in future pregnancies. In our study we examined patterns of PCS, pl compared with planned TOLAC anned PCS (PPCS), vaginal birth after 1 previous CS (VBAC-1) and associated factors in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), a region of North-Eastern Italy, collecting data from its 11 maternity centres (coded from A to K) during 2005-2015. By fitting three multiple logistic regression models (one for each delivery mode), we calculated the adjusted rates of PCS and PPCS among women without history of CS, whilst the calculation of the VBAC rate was restricted to women with just one previous CS (VBAC-1). Results, expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI), were controlled for the effect of hospital, calendar year as well as several factors related to the clinical and obstetric conditions of the mothers and the newborn, the obstetric history and socio-demographic background. In FVG during 2005-2015 there were 24,467 OCS (rate of 24.2%), 19,565 PCS (19.6%), 7,736 PPCS (7.7%) and 2,303 VBAC-1 (28.4%). We found high variability of delivery mode (DM) at hospital level, especially for PCS and PPCS. Breech presentation was the strongest determinant for PCS as well as PPCS. Leaving aside placenta previa/abuptio placenta/ante-partum hemorrhage, further significant factors, more importantly associated with PCS than PPCS were non-reassuring fetal status and obstructed labour, followed by (in order of statistical significance): multiple birth; eclampsia/pre-eclampsia; maternal age 40-44 years; placental weight  600-99 g; oligohydramios; pre-delivery LoS 3-5 days; maternal age 35-39 years; placenta weight 1,000-1,500 g; birthweight < 2,000 g; maternal age ≥ 45 years; pre-delivery LoS ≥ 6 days; mother's age 30-34 years; low birthweight (2,000-2,500 g); polyhydramnions; cord prolaspe; ≥6 US scas performed during pregnancy and pre-term gestations (33-36 weeks). Significant factors for PPCS were (in order of statistical significance): breech presentation; placenta previa/abruptio placenta/ante-partum haemorrhage; multiple birth; pre-delivery LoS ≥ 3 days; placental weight ≥ 600 g; maternal age  40-44 years; ≥6 US scans performed in pregnancy; maternal age ≥ 45 and 35-39 years; oligohydramnios; eclampsia/pre-eclampsia; mother's age 30-34 years; birthweight <2,000 g; polyhydramnios and pre-term gestation (33-36 weeks). VBAC-1 were more likely with gestation ≥ 41 weeks, placental weight <500 g and especially labour analgesia. During 2005-2015 the overall rate of PCS in FVG (19.6%) was substantially lower than the corresponding figure reported in 2010 for the entire Italy (29%) and still slightly under the most recent national PCS rate for 2017 (22.2%). The VBAC-1 rate on women with history of one previous CS in FVG was 28.4% (25.3% considering VBAC on all women with at least 1 previous CS), roughly three times the Italian national rate of 9% reported for 2017. The discrepancy between the OCS rate at country level (38.1%) and FVG's (24.2%) is therefore mainly attributable to RCS. Although there was a marginal decrease of PCS and PPCS crudes rates over time in the whole region, accompained by a progressive enhancement of the crude VBAC rate, we found remarkable variability of DM across hospitals. To further contain the number of unnecessary PCS and promote VBAC where appropriate, standardized obstetric protocols should be introduced and enforced at hospital level. Decision-making on PCS should be carefully scrutinized, introducing a diagnostic second opinion for all PCS, particularly for term singleton pregancies with cephalic presentation and in case of obstructed labour as well as non-reassuring fetal status, grey areas potentially affected by subjective clinical assessment. This process of change could be facilitated with education of staff/patients by opinion leaders and prenatal counseling for women and partners, although clinical audits, financial penalties and rewards to efficient maternity centres could also be considered.

A Systematic Evaluation of Hospital Performance of Childbirth Delivery Modes and Associated Factors in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (North-Eastern Italy), 2005-2015

Cesarean sections (CS) have become increasingly common in both developed and developing countries, raising legitimate concerns regarding their appropriateness. Since improvement of obstetric care at the hospital level needs quantitative evidence, using routinely collected health data we contrasted the performance of the 11 maternity centres (coded with an alphabetic letter A to L) of an Italian region, Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), during 2005-15, after removing the effect of several factors associated with different delivery modes (DM): spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD), overall CS (OCS) and urgent/emergency CS (UCS). A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted for each individual DM, using a dichotomous outcome (1 = each DM; 0 = rest of hospital births) and comparing the stratum specific estimates of every term with their respective reference categories. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) false discovery rates (FDR) approach was applied to control alpha error due to the large number of statistical tests performed. In the entire FVG region during 2005-2015, SVD were 75,497 (69.1% out of all births), IVD were 7,281 (6.7%), OCS were 26,467 (24.2%) and UCS were 14,106 (12.9% of all births and 53.3% out of all CS). SVD were more likely (in descending order of statistical significance) with: higher number of previous livebirths; clerk/employed occupational status of the mother; gestational age <29 weeks; placentas weighing <500 g; stillbirth; premature rupture of membranes (PROM). IVD were predominantly more likely (in descending order of statistical significance) with: obstructed labour, non-reassuring fetal status, history of CS, labour analgesia, maternal age ≥35 and gestation >40 weeks. The principal factors associated with OCS were (in descending order of statistical significance): CS history, breech presentation, non-reassuring fetal status, obstructed labour, multiple birth, placental weight ≥ 600 g, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia, maternal age ≥ 35 and oligohydramnios. The most important risk factors for UCS were (in descending order of statistical significance): placenta previa/abruptio placenta/ antepartum hemorrage; non-reassuring fetal status, obstructed labour; breech presentation; PROM, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia; gestation 33-36 weeks; gestation 41+ weeks; oligohydramnios; birthweight <2,500 g, maternal age ≥ 35 and cord prolapse. After removing the effects of all other factors, we found great variability of DM rates across hospitals. Adjusting for all risk factors, all hospitals had a OCS risk higher than the referent (hospital G). Out of these 10 hospitals with increased adjusted risk of OCS, 9 (A, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, K) performed less SVD and 5 (A, C, D, I, J) less IVD. In the above 5 centres CS was therefore probably overused. The present study shows that routinely collected administrative data provide useful information for health planning and monitoring. Although the overall CS rate in FVG during 2005-15 was 24.2%, well below the corresponding average Italian national figure (38.1%), the variability of DM rates across FVG maternity centres could be targeted by policy interventions aimed at reducing the recourse to unnecessary CS. In some clinical conditions such as obstructed labor, non-reassuring fetal status, breech presentation, history of CS, higher maternal age and multiple birth, consideration may be given to more conservative DM. The overuse of CS in nulliparas and repeat CS (RCS) should be carefully monitored and subject to audit.

The association between childbirth, breastfeeding, and uterine fibroids: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of childbirth and breastfeeding on uterine fibroids and to identify the factors associated with size variations. This was a monocenter observational study carried on women with a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids from January 2007 to December 2016, with no indication for immediate treatment, and who became pregnant within one year from diagnosis. All patients were re-evaluated six months after delivery. Fibroid diameters were compared between pre-pregnancy period, first, second, third trimester and post-delivery. The rate of "regressed" (growth of diameter <-40%), "unchanged" (growth of diameter between -40% and +40%) or "increased" (growth of diameter >+40%) fibroids at the post-delivery evaluation with respect to the pre-pregnancy state was calculated. One-hundred fifty-seven women were included in the final analysis. At the post-delivery ultrasound, a significant reduction of the fibroid diameter with respect to all previous examinations was observed, and there was no evidence of 67 (37.2%) fibroids. Ongoing breastfeeding was positively associated with an "unchanged" or "regressed" fibroid diameter (adOR 3.23, 95%CI: 1.35-7.70, p < 0.01). Smaller pre-gravidic fibroids were more likely to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress, with a cut-off of 32 mm for lactating women and of 26 mm for non-lactating women. In conclusion, fibroids seem to return to pre-pregnancy dimensions or to regress in the post-partum period. This process may be sustained by uterine involution and hormonal variations, with an additional role of breastfeeding.