Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIJOG)
Volume-8 | Issue-01 | 26-30
Original Research Article
Sonographic Lower Uterine Segment Thickness after Prior Cesarean Section to Predict Uterine Rupture
Dr. Shapla Akhter, Dr. Kazi Mohammad Abu Hannan, Dr. Samira Chowdury, Dr. Mahbub Ahmed, Dr. Shayla Nasrin
Published : Jan. 18, 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Uterine rupture occurs in many pregnancies. The risk is higher for women who plan to have a normal birth after a previous cesarean section than for those who have another cesarean section. Objectives: This study aimed to predict the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS) by comparing a 2D transvaginal ultrasound with the findings during a cesarean section (C/S) in pregnant women with a history of previous cesarean sections. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Institute of Child and Mother Health, Bangladesh from June 2023 to May 2024. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. 100 women underwent transvaginal ultrasound followed by cesarean section (C/S) within a maximum of one week later. Also, an expert gynaecologist classified LUS thickness into four grades in the operation room. Result: The mean age of the women in the study was 30.7 years (±9.62), while the mean thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS) was 2.25 cm (± 0.55). Among the participants, 43 were classified as grade I for the LUS based on intraoperative findings. The results indicated a significant difference in the mean thickness of the LUS measured by ultrasound across the three grades identified by the gynaecologist (P = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, parity, or the time since the last cesarean section among women with different LUS grades (P > 0.05). Transvaginal ultrasound may be useful in assessing the risk of scar dehiscence and uterine rupture in women with LUS grades I and II who have a history of previous cesarean sections. Conclusion: Sonographic lower uterine segment thickness prediction is very important in the study of lower uterine segment thickness after a prior cesarean section to predict uterine rupture. 2D vaginal ultrasonography can be used to assess the risk of uterine scar dehiscence of grades I and II.