Clinical study on the relationship between lower uterine segment scar thickness and choices of delivery pattern of women with scarred uterus pregnancy

Abstract

Objective To explore the accuracy of color doppler ultrasound for detection of lower uterine segment scar thickness and its guiding significance for delivery pattern of women with scarred uterus pregnancy.Methods The thickness of lower uterine segment scar of 112 late pregnancy in our hospital was measured with color doppler ultrasound from January 2011 to August 2011.The results were compared with actual measurement value in operation,and explore the best dehvery time and pattern for pregnant women with history of previous cesarean section.Results There were 5 cases of vaginal delivery and 107 cases of cesarean section in total 112 cases.The measurement results were good consistency between color doppler ultrasound and actual values.The pregnant women had high risk of uterus rupture when their lower uterine segment scar thickness were ＜3 cm and selected cesarean section after 38 weeks of gestation; those with scar thickness ≥ 3 mm had little uterus rupture and can continue to have pregnancy,even with selection of vaginal delivery.Conclusion Sonographic lower uterine segment scar thickness of color doppler ultrasound is a strong predictor for choice of delivery time and pattern of women with scarred uterus pregnancy. Key words: Color doppler ultrasound; Previous cesarean delivery; Lower uterine segment scar; Delivery mode