Laparoscopic management of suspected postpartum uterine rupture: a novel approach

Perinatal outcomes following uterine rupture during a trial of labor after cesarean: A 12-year single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To determine perinatal outcomes following uterine rupture during a trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery (CD) at term.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study examining perinatal outcomes in women with term singleton pregnancies with one prior CD, who underwent a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and were diagnosed with uterine rupture, between 2011 and 2022. The primary outcome was a composite maternal outcome, and the secondary outcome was a composite neonatal outcome. Additionally, we compared perinatal outcomes between patients receiving oxytocin during labor with those who did not.

RESULTS

Overall, 6873 women attempted a TOLAC, and 116 were diagnosed with uterine rupture. Among them, 63 (54.3%) met the inclusion criteria, and 18 (28%) had the maternal composite outcome, with no cases of maternal death. Sixteen cases (25.4%) had the composite neonatal outcome, with one case (1.6%) of perinatal death. No differences were noted between women receiving oxytocin and those not receiving oxytocin in the rates of maternal composite (35.7% vs 26.5%, P = 0.502, respectively) or neonatal composite outcomes (21.4% vs 26.5%, P = 0.699).

CONCLUSION

Uterine rupture during a TOLAC entails increased risk for myriad adverse outcomes for the mother and neonate, though possibly more favorable than previously described. Oxytocin use does not affect these risks.

Uterine rupture in the first trimester: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Uterine rupture is a rare complication that can occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. It can lead to serious maternal morbidity or mortality, which is mostly due to catastrophic bleeding. First trimester uterine rupture is rare; hence, diagnosis can be challenging as it may be confused with other causes of early pregnancy bleeding such as an ectopic pregnancy. We present a case of first trimester scar dehiscence and conduct a literature review of this rare condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old African patient with four previous hysterotomy scars presented with severe lower abdominal pain at 11 weeks of gestation. She had two previous histories of third trimester uterine rupture in previous pregnancies with subsequent hysterotomies and repair. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy that confirmed the diagnosis of a 10 cm anterior wall uterine rupture. A laparotomy and repair of the rupture was subsequently done.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the case presented adds to the body of evidence of uterine scar dehiscence in the first trimester. The risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and management outlined may help in early identification and management of this rare but life threatening condition.