Incidence and contributing factors for uterine rupture in patients undergoing second trimester termination of pregnancy in a large tertiary hospital - a 10-year case series

Uterine rupture is an obstetric catastrophe with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality which occurs mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy or during labour, especially in previously scarred uterus. The occurrence of rupture in first and second trimester in women with unscarred uteri is quite rare. We report two cases of rupture uteri managed in our centre at 24 and 26 weeks gestation in women with unscarred uteri. First case was G3P1L1A1, 24 weeks with epigastric pain, stable vitals, epigastric tenderness, USG inconclusive, CT scan showed out pouching of amniotic sac through fundus. Laparotomy done, there was 8-9 cm fundal rupture extending between cornua, uterine repair done. Second case was G3P1L1A1 26 weeks with abdominal pain, stable vitals, corresponding fundal height, head engaged, USG revealed outpouching amniotic sac at the fundus. Laparotomy performed, there was 10 cm rent extending trans-fundal, uterine repair done. Unscarred uterine rupture, especially in early pregnancy is a rare event, posing significant difficulty in diagnosis. Uterine rupture should be first ruled out in all pregnant women presenting with acute abdomen irrespective of gestational age. Search for non-gynaecological causes can delay crucial obstetric intervention that can lead to loss of obstetric function, morbidity and mortality.

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Silent Uterine Rupture with the Use of Misoprostol for Second Trimester Termination of Pregnancy : A Case Report

Obstetrics and Gynecology International ◽

10.1155/2011/584652 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-2 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Martin Cuellar Torriente

Keyword(s):

Uterine Rupture ◽

Postoperative Recovery ◽

Termination Of Pregnancy ◽

Second Trimester ◽

Vacuum Aspiration ◽

Medical Termination ◽

Manual Vacuum Aspiration ◽

Induced Abortions ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Uterine Scar

Uterine rupture is an uncommon, but a life-threatening, complication following second trimester medical termination of pregnancy (TOP). The reported cases have been in both the scarred and unscarred uterus (Rajesh et al. 2002, Drey et al. 2006, and Dickinson). A 27-year-old with two previous deliveries, no previous caesarean section, no history of induced abortions, and no gynaecological operations. She presented with amenorrhoea, and according to her last normal menstruation, she was 10 weeks and 5 days. Ultrasound was done, and it reported 16 weeks and 5 days. She asked for TOP. According to the clinic's protocol, misoprostol 800 mcg (4 tabs) were given to be used vaginally as a loading dose and another three to be taken orally after that. In the following day when she attended the clinic for follow up, a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). A manual vacuum aspiration was indicated as an incomplete abortion. During the procedure, a uterine rupture was found in the uterine lower segment. A laparotomy was done and a lineal uterine rupture was found and sutured. The patient had a good postoperative recovery and was discharged from hospital after four days. The clinician dealing with second trimester terminations should be aware of the possibility of having a uterine rupture, especially in patients with a uterine scar in order to make an early diagnosis.

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