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Image: “Ruptured uterus of the mother.” by Koregol MC, Bellad MB, Nilgar BR, Metgud MC, Durdi G. Licence: CC BY 2.0
Definition of Uterine Rupture
Rupture of the uterine wall
The uterine rupture refers to a rupture of the uterine wall. This rupture can be complete, as well as incomplete. In case of an incomplete uterine rupture, the serosa remains intact.
Epidemiology of Uterine Rupture
Even nowadays, uterine ruptures are very frequent. This severe complication occurs in 1 of 1,500 deliveries.
Etiology of Uterine Rupture
Relative imbalance in uterine rupture
Uterine ruptures are caused by an imbalance between the strain on the uterine wall and the stability of the uterus. The most common cause of rupture during delivery is normally a relative imbalance in case of too narrow maternal pelvis, cervical dystocia or impossible delivery position of the unborn. Ruptures that are independent of delivery usually result after previous surgeries that injured the uterus (e.g., myoma enucleation, s/p Cesarean section).
Image: A patch of placenta adhered to the rupture. By Jiang Q, Yang L, Ashley C, Medlin EE, Kushner DM, Zheng Y, License: CC BY 4.0
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Uterine Rupture
Symptoms of uterine rupture
Typical warning signals for a uterine rupture are very frequent labor that may even develop into hyperactive labor. Patients appear anxious and complain about severe pain and tenderness.
Clinical diagnosis of a uterine rupture
The diagnosis of a uterine rupture can usually be done clinically. Acute bleeding can cause hypovolemic shock, which poses a threat to the fetus. Heart sounds and movements of the unborn cannot be detected anymore.
It is possible for a complete uterine rupture to manifest after vaginal birth. The severe hemorrhage occurs only afterward since the child prevented it before. This can very rapidly lead to shock.
Image: Uterine defect within the Caesarean section scar 4 months after treatment. By Tulpin L, Morel O, Malartic C, Barranger E, License: CC BY 3.0
Therapy of Uterine Rupture
In case of impending rupture, a tocolysis is initiated. This can be done, for example, with sympathomimetic drugs or intravenous magnesium sulfate. Subsequently, a Cesarean section is carried out.
A Cesarean section should be done in the case of suspected or previous ruptures. A vaginal delivery would be a contraindication in such circumstances.
After delivery via Caesarean section, it has to be decided whether a suture of the rupture is possible, or if a hysterectomy should be done. In case of hypovolemic shock, fluid replacement, under simultaneous control of blood pressure, is necessary.
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