Safety of Scar on Repeat Second Cesarean Section in Patients with Previous One Cesarean Section

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the safety and integrity of scar at repeat cesarean section, in patients with previous one cesarean section performed at different settings. Study design A reterospective study in a tertiary care obstetric unit over a period of one year (2006). Material and methods All patients with previous one cesarean section, undergoing emergency and elective cesarean sections were enrolled at our institution. The variables noted were age, parity, residential area, location of previous cesarean section and associated complaints, e.g uterine contractions, vaginal leaking/ bleeding and comorbid medical disorders. Outcome measures Operative findings in terms of thinning of scar, dehiscence or rupture were recorded. The effects of skill level of surgeon and set-up of previous cesarean section were analyzed. Results Two hundred and seventy cesarean sections were performed for different indications in patients with previous one cesarean section over a period of one year. Out of all patients, extreme thinning of scar was noted in 36 (13.3%) patients. Seven patients(2.6%) had scar dehiscence. Only 3 (42.8%) patients with scar dehiscence had associated complaint of scar tenderness, while 22 (61%)of 36 cases of scar thinning were having scar tenderness. All 7 cases of scar dehiscence had their previous cesarean sections at teaching hospitals. No patient underwent hysterectomy and all patients with scar dehiscence had successful repair. Conclusion The study concludes relatively inadequate scar thickness rate but at the same time relatively acceptable scar dehiscence rate. Thus it will still be safe to subject the patients to trial of labor after meticulous scrutinization and individualization. At the same time adequate surgical training of doctors (trainees and community doctors) through different formats is recommended.