Uterine Rupture Research Articles

Life-Threatening Obstetrical Emergency: Spontaneous Uterine Rupture Associated with Placenta Percreta in the First Trimester of Pregnancy—Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The greatest risk for the occurrence of the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is represented by uterine scars, which most frequently result after cesarean sections. Uterine rupture is a rare condition and appears mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy. The association between these two conditions is extremely rare in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: We performed a systematic review of abnormal placental adhesions and spontaneous uterine ruptures in the first trimester of pregnancy. We also reported a case of spontaneous uterine rupture in a 12-week pregnancy that presented with massive hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock. Results: A 33-year-old patient with two previous cesarean sections, at the twelfth week of pregnancy at the time to this visit to the emergency room, presented with syncope and intense pelvic–abdominal pain. A clinical examination and ultrasound scan established the diagnosis of hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock. Surgical exploration was performed, uterine rupture was identified, and hemostasis hysterectomy was necessary. The histopathological results showed placenta percreta. There have been eight reported cases of spontaneous uterine rupture in the first trimester of pregnancy associated with PAS. In these cases, it was found that 62.5% of the patients had undergone at least one cesarean section in the past; in 75% of the cases, hysterectomy was performed; and, in 87.5% of the cases, the presence of placenta percreta was confirmed. Conclusions: A high rate of cesarean sections determines the increase in the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. The possible life-threatening complications caused by this pathology can be observed in early pregnancies.

Obstetric Evacuations Received At the "Major Moussa Diakite" Referral Health Centre in Kati, Republic of Mali

The organisation of the evacuation referral system is an important strategy for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality in Mali. Objective: To study obstetric evacuations received in the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the "Major Moussa DIAKITE" referral health centre in Kati. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively over a 12-month period (from 1 January to 31 December 2020). Sampling was exhaustive and included all cases of obstetric evacuation received and managed on site during the study period. Results: Out of a total of 3050 deliveries, we received and managed 352 cases of obstetric evacuation, representing a frequency of 11.5%. The average age of the patients was 25 years, with extremes of 15 and 44 years, although the 20-34 age group was dominant, accounting for 73.6% of cases. The majority of evacuees were housewives (86.4%), married (92%), nulliparous and primiparous (52%). Dystocic labour was the most common reason for evacuation (51.1%), followed by ante-partum haemorrhage (13.4%). Nearly nine out of ten women evacuated came from Community Health Centres (89.8%) and the most common means of evacuation was by ambulance (52.1%). The average time from admission to the start of care was 26.5 minutes, with extremes of 3 and 50 minutes. Delivery by the vaginal route was carried out in almost eight out of ten cases (79%). Newborns were resuscitated alive (7.9%); stillbirths were fresh (3.7%) and stillbirths were macerated (06%). We recorded 2 cases of maternal death (0.6%) and the causes of maternal death were haemorrhage due to uterine rupture and eclampsia. Conclusion: The improved organisation of the evacuation referral system in our facility has improved the maternal and, above all, foetal prognosis of obstetric evacuations, but more needs to be done.

Temporal Trend in Maternal Morbidity and Comorbidity.

This study aimed to examine the temporal trends of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in the U.S. population in relation to trends in maternal comorbidity. We performed a repeated cross-sectional analysis of data from individuals at 20 weeks' gestation or greater using U.S. birth certificate data from 2011 to 2021. Our primary outcome was SMM defined as the occurrence of intensive care unit admission, eclampsia, hysterectomy, uterine rupture, and blood product transfusion. We also examined the proportions of maternal comorbidity. Outcomes of the adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 99% confidence intervals (99% CIs) for 2021 m12 compared with 2011 m1 were calculated using negative binomial regression, controlling for predefined confounders. There were 42,504,125 births included in the analysis. From 2011 m1 to 2021 m12, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of advanced maternal age (35-39 [45%], 40-44 [29%], and ≥45 [43%] years), morbid obesity (body mass index 40-49.9 [66%], 50-59.9 [91%], and 60-69.9 [98%]), previous cesarean delivery (14%), chronic hypertension (104%), pregestational diabetes (64%), pregnancy-associated hypertension (240%), gestational diabetes (74%), and preterm delivery at 34 to 36 weeks (12%). There was a significant decrease in the incidence of multiple gestation (9%), preterm delivery at 22 to 27 weeks (9%), and preterm delivery at 20 to 21 weeks (22%). From 2011 m1 to 2021 m12, the incidence of SMM increased from 0.7 to 1.0% (crude IRR 1.60 [99% CI 1.54-1.66]). However, the trend was no longer statistically significant after controlling for confounders (adjusted IRR 1.01 [95% CI 0.81-1.27]). The main comorbidity that was associated with the increase in SMM was pregnancy-associated hypertension. The rise in the prevalence of comorbidity in pregnancy seems to fuel the rise in SMM. Interventions to prevent SMM should include the management and prevention of pregnancy-associated hypertension. · The rise in maternal mortality is related to morbidity.. · Pregnancy-associated hypertension increases morbidity.. · There were increasing trends in age, body mass index, and medical conditions..

Importance of hemogram parameters for predicting uterine scar dehiscence

The pathophysiology of uterine scar dehiscence is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative hemogram parameters can be used as predictive markers of uterine scar dehiscence, thus improving prediction and contributing to management of repeat Cesarean section. Between 2015 and 2020, 36670 (47.6%) cesarean sections were delivered in our hospital and 16943 of them had a previous Cesarean section. All cases of uterine scar rupture detected during Cesarean section were identified, and a total of 40 patients were included after excluding cases with impairment of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Controls consisted of 40 randomly selected, age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched patients, and the groups were compared. Age, BMI, and gravidity were similar (p>0.05). Although the gestational week and Apgar scores were similar between the groups (p>0.05), the birth weight amongst controls was significantly higher than the uterine dehiscence group (p=0.028). Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and other hemogram values were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Mean platelet volume (MPV) in the control group was significantly higher than in the uterine rupture group (p=0.049). Regression analysis found no significant result between hemogram parameters, birth weight, and dehiscence. In this study, which set out to identify predictors of the risk of uterine scar dehiscence with SIR parameters, only the MPV value was lower in the dehiscence group.

Spontaneous Uterine Artery Rupture in a Nongravid Patient

Spontaneous Uterine Artery Rupture in a Nongravid Patient

A Study on Spontaneous Vs Iatrogenic Causes of Uterine Rupture in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern India: An Observational Study

A Study on Spontaneous Vs Iatrogenic Causes of Uterine Rupture in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern India: An Observational Study

Risk of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Following Myomectomy: A Nationwide Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is described as a partial or total lack of decidua with adherence or invasion of the placenta to the myometrium and is a major cause of postpartum hemorrhage and peripartum hysterectomy. The risk of PAS is approximately 1 in 272 in the United States. Prior uterine surgeries including myomectomy disrupt the integrity of the endometrium and myometrium and may increase the risk of PAS. However, the association between myomectomy and PAS remains controversial. This retrospective nationwide cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of myomectomy, stratified by method of myomectomy, on the risk of PAS. Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes prenatal, perinatal, demographic, and treatment data on nearly all pregnant patients in Taiwan. All pregnant people who gave birth after 20 weeks of gestation between January 2008 and December 2017 were included. Patients with incomplete data, previous history of PAS before myomectomy, robotic-assisted myomectomy, or a diagnosis of adenomyosis were excluded. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to method of myomectomy: laparotomic, laparoscopic, and hysteroscopic. A 1:1 propensity-score estimation matching with logistic regression was used for patients with and without history of myomectomy to minimize selection bias. The primary outcome was placenta accreta, whereas secondary outcomes included placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, placenta abruption, uterine rupture, and preterm delivery. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between myomectomy and adverse pregnancy outcomes and the risk of placenta accreta for the entire population. Analysis of variance and post hoc tests were used to analyze differences in clinical characteristics and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to different methods of myomectomy. A total of 1,393,628 patients were included in this study. Among them, 11,255 patients had a history of myomectomy. Placenta accreta spectrum occurred in 0.96% of those with a history of myomectomy and 0.20% of those without. The risk of PAS was significantly higher in patients with a history of myomectomy, compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio, 2.28; confidence interval [CI], 1.85–2.81; P < 0.01). There was an elevated risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes including placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean hysterectomy, uterine rupture, preterm delivery, and placenta abruption among those with a history of myomectomy compared with those without. The presence of placenta previa significantly increased risk of PAS, as did the number of prior myomectomies. The propensity score–matched cohort analysis found a similar increase in PAS risk associated with myomectomy. Compared with subjects without a history of myomectomy, the risk of PAS was greater after hysteroscopic (adjusted odds ratio, 3.88; 95% CI, 2.68–5.63), laparoscopic (2.02; 95% CI, 2.79–5.62), and laparotomic myomectomy (1.86; 95% CI, 1.33–2.60). The results of this study find that a history of myomectomy is significantly associated with increased risk of PAS in subsequent pregnancies. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was associated with the highest risk of PAS, and the presence of placenta previa or history of multiple myomectomies further increased the risk.

Asymptomatic uterine rupture in a term pregnancy following a uterine perforation in a hysteroscopic procedure: a case report

Asymptomatic uterine rupture in a term pregnancy following a uterine perforation in a hysteroscopic procedure: a case report

Current opinion on large-scale prospective myomectomy databases toward evidence-based preconception and antenatal counselling utilising a standardised myomectomy operation note.

No large-scale databases exist of pregnancy outcomes and rate of uterine rupture for women after myomectomy, resulting in inconsistent antenatal counselling and decision-making regarding mode and timing of delivery. Standardising information collected at myomectomy may facilitate data collection, informing prenatal/ antenatal counselling. To determine clinician opinions regarding standardisation of myomectomy operation notes to allow comprehensive data input into a prospective database of pregnancy outcomes, toward an evidence-based approach to decision making regarding timing and mode of delivery in subsequent pregnancies. A google forms survey was emailed to all consultant (attending-level) obstetricians and gynaecologists across 25 hospitals in London, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex (UK) between March and May 2022. To enhance response rates, two further email reminders were sent alongside in-person reminders from selected local unit representatives. Senior clinician opinion for characteristics necessary to collect at time of surgery to develop a widescale database of post myomectomy pregnancy outcomes. 209/475 (44%) responses received; 95% (198/209) agreed with standardising operation notes. Criteria selected for inclusion included cavity breach (98%, 194/198), location (98%, 194/198), number of fibroids removed (93%, 185/198) and number of uterine incisions (96%, 190/198). Gynaecologists support standardising myomectomy operation notes to inform the development of prospective large-scale databases of pregnancy outcomes after myomectomy. Acquisition of clinician opinions on the development and content of a standardised myomectomy operation note to aid the development of a pregnancy-outcome database for women after myomectomy.

Ruptured Recurrent Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Managed by Laparoscopy.

Ectopic pregnancies are a frequently encountered cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They occur when an embryo is implanted and grows outside the normal uterine space. Uncommonly, the embryo can be implanted in the intramural portion of the uterine tube, a condition referred to as interstitial localization. This specific type of ectopic pregnancy may have an unpredictable course, potentially leading to severe uterine rupture and catastrophic bleeding if not promptly diagnosed and managed. We present a rare case of a multiparous 36-year-old female patient who underwent pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for intense pelvic pain associated with hypotension and moderate anemia. A history of right salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 10 years previously was noted. High beta-HCG levels were also detected. A pelvic ultrasound allowed us to suspect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 8 weeks of amenorrhea. An association with hemoperitoneum was suspected, and an emergency laparoscopy was performed. The condition was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient underwent a right corneal wedge resection with suture of the uterine myometrium. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth day postoperatively. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare yet extremely perilous situation. Timely ultrasound-based diagnosis is crucial as it can enable conservative management with Methotrexate. Delayed diagnosis can lead to uterine rupture with consecutive surgery based on a transection of the pregnancy and cornual uterine resection.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Mortalité maternelle par hémorragie obstétricale en France 2016–2018

Between 2016 and 2018, 20 maternal deaths were related to obstetric haemorrhage, excluding haemorrhage in the first trimester of pregnancy, representing a mortality ratio of 0.87 per 100,000 live births (95% CI 0.5 -1.3). Obstetric haemorrhage is the cause of 7.4% of all maternal deaths up to 1 year, 10% of maternal deaths within 42 days, and 21% of deaths directly related to pregnancy (direct causes). Between 2001 and 2018, maternal mortality from obstetric haemorrhage has been considerably reduced, from 2.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2001-2003 to 0.87 in the period presented here. Nevertheless, obstetric haemorrhage is still one of the main direct causes of maternal death, and remains the cause with the highest proportion of deaths considered probably (53%) or possibly (42%) preventable according to the CNEMM's collegial assessment (see chapter 3). The preventable factors reported are related to inadequate content of care in 94% of cases and/or organisation of care in 44% of cases. In this triennium, maternal death due to haemorrhage occurred mainly in the context of caesarean delivery (65% of cases, i.e. 13/20), and mostly in the context of emergency care (12/13). The main causes of obstetric haemorrhage were uterine rupture (6/20) in unscarred uterus or in association with placenta accreta, and surgical injury during the caesarean delivery (5/20). Every maternity hospital, whatever its resources and/or technical facilities, must be able to plan any obstetric haemorrhage situation that threatens the mother's vital prognosis. Intraperitoneal occult haemorrhage following caesarean section and uterine rupture require immediate surgery with the help of skilled surgeon resources with early and appropriate administration of blood products.

Terine rupture in the first trimester: A case report and literature review

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, mostly because of 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 patient with 4 previous hysterotomy scars presented with severe lower abdominal pain at 11 weeks of gestation. The patient had two previous histories of third-trimester uterine rupture in previous pregnancies with subsequent hysterotomy and repair. The patient 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 performed. Conclusion: This case presented adds to the body of evidence of uterine scar dehiscence in the first trimester. The outline risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and management may help in the early identification and management of this rare but life-threatening condition.

Uterine rupture secondary to pyomyoma leading to intraabdominal abscesses following an uncomplicated vaginal delivery

Uterine rupture secondary to pyomyoma leading to intraabdominal abscesses following an uncomplicated vaginal delivery

Successful pregnancy outcome via in-vitro fertilization and laparoscopic resection of non-communicating rudimentary horn pregnancy containing early pregnancy: a case report

BackgroundNon-communicating rudimentary horn pregnancy (NCRHP) lead to life-threatening condition for both mother and fetus. Early diagnosis of NCRHP and laparoscopic resection is important to prevent catastrophic conditions. However, delayed diagnosis until the second or third trimester makes it difficult to accurately diagnose between NCRHP and bicornuate uterine pregnancy, as both conditions present uterine rupture and massive hemoperitoneum. Furthermore, these rare cases are challenging in pregnancy trials and associated with adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.Case presentationA 31-year-old gravida 1 para 0 Korean woman visited our infertility center with a confirmed positive urine pregnancy test after timed intercourse. Before she was scheduled to have timed intercourse, a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating right uterine horn was suspected based on an ultrasound scan and hysterosalpingography during the initial infertility workup. A gestational sac was observed in the right non-communicating rudimentary horn at 5 weeks of gestation. Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) level was 2052.0mIU/mL. An elective laparoscopic resection of the right rudimentary horn containing a gestational sac, along with ipsilateral salpingectomy, was performed with no adverse event. After 3-month of recovery period and three cycles of conceptional trials involving timed intercourse and intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed using the antagonist protocol, and successful pregnancy was confirmed. The patient had been hospitalized from 21 + 6 weeks to 35 + 6 weeks of gestation, underwent cerclage placement and tocolytics with corticosteroid treatment. She delivered an early-term male baby by cesarean section.ConclusionIn this rare case, the successful pregnancy achieved through IVF following the appropriate management of NCRHP under laparoscopy underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention in cases of NCRHP. Timely identification and management of NCRHP are vital to prevent the occurrence of catastrophic conditions and to enhance the prognosis of a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Therefore, a high index of suspicion for NCRHP is important and employs a range of diagnostic modalities.

Risk factors for early postpartum hemorrhage: A retrospective, population-based, cohort analysis.

To identify risk factors for developing early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to examine whether risk factors vary according to severity and mode of delivery. A population-based cohort study was conducted in which all deliveries at a tertiary medical center were included. Risk factors for developing early PPH were compared based on the severity of bleeding as well as the mode of delivery. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control for confounders. Among 322 497 deliveries included in the analysis, early PPH complicated 1811 (0.56%) of all deliveries. Among all cases of early PPH, 505 deliveries (28%) were complicated with severe PPH. Using a logistic regression model, invitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy, previous cesarean delivery (CD), pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and uterine rupture were independently associated only with severe early PPH, while non-progressive second stage of labor, induction of labor, and large for gestational age were independently associated with both severe and mild early PPH. When applying an additional logistic regression model, whereas IVF pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and large for gestational age were independently associated with early PPH among vaginal deliveries only, placenta previa was independently associated with early PPH among CD only. Independent risk factors for developing severe PPH solely include IVF pregnancy, previous CD, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and uterine rupture. IVF pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and large for gestational age are independent risk factors for early PPH following vaginal delivery, while placenta previa is independently associated with early PPH after CD only. Due to the recognition of the importance of both the provider and institutional planning and preparation for PPH, the study's results should be viewed within the scope of its retrospective cohort design.

Uterine Rupture: A Distressing Catalyst for Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage

Uterine rupture is a disruption of the uterine scar, causing foetal expulsion into the peritoneal cavity. This condition, primarily caused by the separation of uterine scar tissue from previous caesarean surgery, reduces foetal survival and increases maternal morbidity and mortality. A 32-year-old woman with a history of four vaginal deliveries and one caesarean section was diagnosed with uterine rupture, leading to a laparotomy procedure and obstetric hysterectomy. Consistent antenatal care can prevent uterine rupture.

ПРЕЖДЕВРЕМЕННЫЙ РАЗРЫВ ПЛОДНЫХ ОБОЛОЧЕК ПРИ ДОНОШЕННОЙ БЕРЕМЕННОСТИ КАК ФАКТОР РИСКА РАЗРЫВА ШЕЙКИ МАТКИ В РОДАХ

Abstract. Introduction. Premature rupture of membranes continues to be one of the urgent problems in modern obstetrics, since it is exactly the pathology a high frequency of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes is associated with. At the same time, an equally important task in obstetrics and gynecology remains the problem of maternal birth injuries, including cervical ruptures, the frequency of which ranges 6 to 15 %. Aim. To study how premature ruptures of membranes in full-term pregnancies affect the frequency of cervical ruptures in childbirth and to identify the risk factors of cervical injuries in at-term labor complicated by premature rupture of membranes. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of birth histories for the years 2019-2020 was carried out according to the data of the perinatal center at Saratov City Clinical Hospital No. 8. The study group included 894 histories of single at-term vaginal deliveries complicated by premature rupture of membranes, while the control group included 6,735 birth histories of women whose vaginal deliveries were performed with timely ruptures of membranes. Later, we identified subgroups within the study group: Subgroup 1 (n=101) included patients with premature rupture of membranes at full-term gestation, whose at-term labors were complicated by uterine cervix ruptures, while Subgroup 2 (n=336) included women with premature ruptures of membranes during at-term labors without any maternal birth traumas. When analyzing medical records, special attention was paid to the anamnesis details and to the special aspects of birth courses and outcomes. Statistical data processing was performed using the MS Excel and Statistica 7.0 software programs. Differences in indications were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results and Discussion. Probability of premature ruptures of membranes during full-term pregnancy increases in patients expecting their first childbirth by 1.6 times (χ2 = 173.49; p <0.001), those with a burdened obstetric/gynecological history, such as abortions, miscarriages, and genital pathology, and those with concomitant extragenital diseases (85.9%). In the study group, we identified an increase in the incidence of labor anomalies (by 3 times) and acute fetal distress (by 1.9 times), which increased the proportion of using surgical aids in childbirth (by 2.7 times) and the risk of obstetric injuries to the mother (by up to 63.4%), including uterine cervix ruptures by up to 11.3%. Conclusions. Premature rupture of membranes at full-term gestation increases the risk of uterine cervix ruptures in childbirth by 10.3 times. In this obstetric context, the uterine cervix rupture risk factors should include the first birth (57.4%; p= 0.003) in the absence of biological readiness of the birth canal (“unripe” or “insufficiently ripe” uterine cervix, 76.2%), development of ineffective uterine contractions (12.9%), and the use of surgical aids in delivery (vacuum-assisted deliveries and episiotomies, 32.7%).

Hysteroscopic Metroplasty Using Holmium: YAG Laser for Treatment of Septate Uterus

To demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and ease of hysteroscopic metroplasty using holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser for treatment of septate uterus. Stepwise demonstration of surgical technique with narrated video footage. Septate uterus is the most common type of uterine anomaly. The incidence of uterine septum in women presenting with infertility and recurrent abortions is 15.4% [1,2]. Hysteroscopic septal incision is associated with improvement in live-birth rate in these women [3]. Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus can be done with the use of scissors and energy sources such as monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery and lasers. Ho:YAG laser is commonly used by urologists for various surgeries because of its "Swiss Army Knife" action of cutting, coagulation, and vaporization [4]. Ho:YAG laser is known for its precision. It causes lesser depth of tissue injury and necrosis and minimal collateral thermal damage compared with the electrosurgical devices and other lasers used for hysteroscopic surgery [5-8]. This is advantageous in hysteroscopic metroplasty given that it reduces the risk of uterine perforation during surgery and hence uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancy. Reduced collateral damage to the surrounding endometrium helps promote early endometrial healing and prevent postoperative intrauterine adhesions. A 28-year-old patient with history of 2 spontaneous abortions came to our hospital for investigations. 3D transvaginal sonography of the patient showed presence of partial septate uterus with a fundal indentation of 1.5 cm (Supplemental video 1). Diagnostic hysteroscopy followed by septal incision using Ho: YAG laser was planned. We used a 2.9 mm BETTOCCHI Hysteroscope (Karl Storz SE & Co.) with a 5 mm operative sheath. Normal saline was used as the distending medium and the intrauterine pressure was maintained at 80 to 100 mm Hg. The procedure was done under total intravenous anesthesia using propofol injection. Vaginoscopic entry into the uterus (without any cervical dilatation) showed evidence of a partial uterine septum with tubal ostia on either side of the septum. A 400 micron quartz fiber was passed through a laser guide into the 5-Fr working channel of the operative hysteroscope. Ho:YAG laser (Auriga XL 50-Watt, Boston Scientific) with power settings of 15 watts (1500 mJ energy at 10 Hz) was used. Incision of the septum was started at the apex of the septum in the midline and continued in a horizontal manner from side to side toward the base (Supplemental video 2). Incision of the septum is continued till the tip of the hysteroscope can move freely from one ostium to the other (Supplemental video 3). The operative time was 12 minutes. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. Postoperative estrogen therapy was given for 2 months in the form of estradiol valerate 2 mg (tablet, Progynova, Zydus Cadila) 12 hourly orally for 25 days and medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg (tablet, Meprate, Serum Institute of India, Ltd) 12 hourly orally added in the last 5 days [9]. 3D transvaginal ultrasound was done on day 8 of menses. It showed a triangular uterine cavity with a very small fundal indentation of 0.37 cm. A second look hysteroscopy that was done on day 9 of menses showed an uterine cavity of good shape and size [10]. Few fundal adhesions were seen and they were incised using Ho:YAG laser. The patient conceived 5 months after the primary surgery and delivered by cesarean section at 38 weeks, giving birth to a healthy baby of 2860 grams. There were no complications during her pregnancy and delivery. A comparative study is essential to prove its advantages over other energy sources for this surgery. Hysteroscopic metroplasty using Ho:YAG laser for treatment of septate uterus is a simple, precise, safe, and effective procedure. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Pouch of sorrow: Undiagnosed isthmocele – presenting as secondary infertility of 11 years in a middle age female

In the past decade, the rate of cesarean sections has doubled leading to the more frequent occurrence of cesarean-related complications. Cesarean scar site diverticulum or isthmocele is one such complication that is defined as an outpouching of the anterior uterine wall at the cesarean scar site in continuity with the endometrial cavity, creating a wedge-shaped defect of variable depth. We report a case of a middle-aged female with secondary infertility for the last 11 years with one live issue 12 years back through a cesarean section at term. She had undergone an array of investigations for infertility for the past 5 years. She was diagnosed as having an isthmocele and managed with surgical repair of the defect at our hospital with subsequent assisted conception 8-month post-surgical repair. The importance of diagnosing a cesarean scar diverticulum cannot be understated not only because it is a surgically treatable cause of infertility but also because if such patients conceive, they may land in uterine rupture, placenta accreta, or scar ectopic pregnancy which can complicate into life-threatening situations.

Context-sensitive holistic care of women with one previous Caesarean section.

This article's emphasis is on the holistic care of women who are assessed as suitable for and amenable to vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) in the South African state health sector context. It is beyond its scope to deal with the minutiae of VBAC conduct, operative conduct of repeat Caesarean section (CS), or management of uterine rupture. It is also beyond the scope of the article to reflect on practices, which are accepted in other healthcare contexts. The intention is not to promote VBAC over elective repeat CS, but rather to assist healthcare workers with providing high-quality holistic care. The goal is that women with previous CS are given access to the mode of delivery, which is safest for them and their fetus, while minimising adverse psychological effects of previous and future negative birth experiences.