Ultrasound evaluation of post-cesarean uterine wound healing based on a figure of eight suturing technique

Abstract

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/15Du23GFCWc Introduction: A niche (also called an isthmocele) is a defect or uterine scar that can be detected by ultrasound a few weeks or months after delivery by cesarean section. A niche is often associated with obstetric complications in subsequent pregnancies, including uterine dehiscence and/or rupture, placenta previa, and placenta accreta. Placenta accreta is characterized by abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall and is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the healing of surgical wounds with the figure of eight suturing techniques. Methods: This study included 32 primigravida patients who underwent cesarean section at RSIA (Mother & Child Hospital) Rosiva from March 2006 to July 2006. On day 6 of the puerperium, the uterine sutures were examined with transvaginal ultrasound. Patients were subsequently allowed to return to their homes to receive outpatient treatment. On day 40, the patients were requested to return to the hospital for a follow-up ultrasound examination. Results: On day 6, incomplete wound healing was found in 31 patients (96.9%) and complete wound healing in 1 patient (3.1%). On day 40, 31 patients (96.9%) experienced perfect or complete healing. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in wound healing between day 6 and day 40 (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: On day 40 after cesarean section, as many as 96.9% of patients showed perfect/complete wound healing (type I) without a niche. Therefore, these patients had a low risk of obstetric complications associated with uterine scarring in subsequent pregnancies.