Cephalad–caudad versus transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse uterine incision during cesarean delivery

Cesarean section: One procedure, varied techniques. Detailed observations of 1013 first cesarean sections in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

OBJECTIVE

Cesarean sections (CS) are among the most performed surgical procedures in the world. Small variations in surgical techniques could have a significant impact on a global scale, for example, in postoperative complications. In the present study we aimed to observe and audit every single step used during first time CS.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional study from January 1, 2018 to January 14, 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Techniques used for CS were directly observed and thoroughly documented. Standard descriptive methods were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 1013 first time CS, 81.4% were emergency procedures. The mean (SD) gestational age at CS was 38.4 ± 3 weeks. Low transverse incision was used in 993/1013 (98%) of cases. Blunt dissection of subcuticular tissue was done in 48/1013 (4.7%), blunt separation of rectus fascia in 386/1013 (38.1%), blunt opening of peritoneum in 838/1013 (82.7%) and lower uterine segment incision with scalpel in 995/1013 (98.2%) women. A total of 916/1013 (90.4%) had double layered uterine closure, 961/1013 (94.9%) had uterus exteriorized for repair, 382/1013 (37.7%) had closure of the peritoneum, 655/1013 (64.7%) had non-closure of the rectus muscle, 677/1013 (66.8%) had subcutaneous tissue closed and 983/1013 (97.0%) had skin closed with subcuticular stitches. There were 493 different combinations of techniques observed performed by 85 surgeons for carrying out a complete first time CS.

CONCLUSION

There is a wide variety of methods used for first time CS. There is the need for training and retraining on the techniques for CS using evidence-based guidelines.

Cephalad-caudad vs transverse blunt expansion of low transverse hysterotomy during caesarean section and risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage: A prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

The global prevalence of caesarean section as a delivery method is increasing worldwide. However, there is notable divergence among countries in their national guidelines regarding the optimal technique for blunt expansion hysterotomy of the low transverse uterine incision during caesarean section (cephalad-caudad or transverse).

AIM

To compare the risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) between cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion hysterotomy during caesarean section.

METHODS

This prospective comparative observational study was conducted in a university maternity hospital. All women who gave birth to one infant by caesarean section after 30 weeks of gestation between November 2020 and November 2021 were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were a coagulation disorder, the presence of placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, or enlargement of the hysterotomy with scissors. The choice between cephalad-caudad or transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse hysterotomy was left to the surgeon's discretion. The primary outcome measure was severe PPH, defined as estimated blood loss ≥ 1000 ml. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to assess the risk of severe PPH associated with the two methods of enlarging the low transverse hysterotomy.

RESULTS

The study included 850 women, of whom 404 underwent transverse blunt expansion and 446 underwent cephalad-caudad blunt expansion. The overall incidence of severe PPH was 13.3 %. Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the frequency of severe PPH between the cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion groups (13.9 % vs 12.6 %; p = 0.61). However, the use of additional surgical sutures (mainly additional haemostatic stitches) was less common with cephalad-caudad blunt expansion (26.7 % vs 36.9 %; p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in risk between the two techniques (odds ratio 1.17, 95 % confidence interval 0.77-1.78).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in the risk of severe PPH was found between cephalad-caudad and transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse hysterotomy during caesarean section.

The effect of uterine massage after vaginal delivery on the duration of placental delivery and amount of postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of uterine massage performed before placental delivery on the third stage of labor and postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled study. Between June 2018 and June 2019, 242 women who gave birth in Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The women were divided into two groups; group 1 received uterine massage after vaginal delivery before placental delivery (n: 128) and group 2 did not receive massage (n: 114). Demographic characteristics, delivery times of the baby and placenta, duration of uterine massage, amount of postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum hemoglobin values of both groups were recorded.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Placental output time after delivery was 8.3 ± 4.2 min in group 1 and 13.5 ± 6.3 min in group 2. The third stage of labor was significantly shorter in group 1 (p = 0.012). The amount of blood loss of 500 mL or more after delivery was higher in group 2 but not statistically different (p > 0.05). Hemoglobin value measured within 12-24 h after delivery was significantly lower in group 2 (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL after 12-24 h p = 0.003; hemoglobin < 10 g/dL after 12-24 h p = 0.001). Delta hb value was also significantly lower in group 2 (p = 0.03). With this result, it was determined that bleeding intense enough to require transfusion was more common in group 2.

CONCLUSION

In patients delivering vaginally, uterine massage before placental delivery shortens the placental delivery time and reduces postpartum hemorrhage. In addition to oxytocin and controlled cord traction to reduce postpartum blood loss, uterine massage should be routinely used in the active management of the third stage of labor.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT03858569.

Unintended uterine extension at the time of cesarean delivery - risk factors and associated adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors, maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes related to unintended lower segment uterine extension during cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis in a single, university-affiliated medical center between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019. All singleton pregnancies delivered by CD were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify maternal and obstetrical predictors for uterine extension during CD. For secondary outcomes, we assessed the correlation between uterine extension and any adverse maternal or neonatal outcome. Risk factors were analyzed using ROC statistics to measure their prediction performance for a uterine extension.

RESULTS

Overall, 1746 (19.3%) CDs were performed during the study period. Of them, 121 (6.9%) CDs were complicated by unintended uterine extension. There was no difference in maternal demographics and clinical data stratified by uterine extension at CD. Uterine extensions were significantly more common following induction of labor, intrapartum fever, premature rupture of membranes, a trial of labor after cesarean, advanced gestational age, emergent CD, and in particular CD during the second stage of labor (37.2% vs. 6.5%) and after failed vacuum extraction (6.6% vs. 1.1%), p < .05 for all. The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and re-laparotomy did not differ between the groups. Most of the extensions were caudal-directed (40.4%), and were closed by a two-layer closure (92%). Mean extension size was 4.5 ± 1.7 cm. Using multivariable analysis, the only factor that remained significant was CD at the second stage of labor (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 54.2, 95% CI 4.5-648.9, p = .002), with an area under the ROC curve 0.653 (95% CI 0.595-0.712, p < .001). Emergent CD, body mass index, birth weight, failed vacuum attempt, and trial of labor after cesarean were not significant. For secondary outcomes, an unintended uterine extension was associated with longer operation time, higher estimated blood loss, greater pre- to post-CD hemoglobin difference, increased blood products transfusion, puerperal fever, and longer hospital stay. No clinically significant neonatal adverse outcomes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, second-stage CD was the strongest predictor for an unintended uterine extension. Following uterine extension, women had increased infectious and blood-loss morbidity.

[The cesarean procedure: Guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]

OBJECTIVE

To identify procedures to reduce maternal morbidity during cesarean.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The quality of evidence of the literature was assessed following the GRADE® method with questions formulated in the PICO format (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and outcomes defined a priori and classified according to their importance. An extensive bibliographic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases. The quality of the evidence was assessed (high, moderate, low, very low) and a (i) strong or (ii) weak recommendations or (iii) no recommendation were formulated. The recommendations were reviewed in two rounds with external reviewers (Delphi survey) to select the consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Of the 27 questions, there was agreement between the working group and the external reviewers on 26. The level of evidence of the literature was insufficient to provide a recommendation on 15 questions. Preventing hypothermia is recommended to increase maternal satisfaction and comfort (weak recommendation) and to reduce neonatal hypothermia (strong recommendation). The quality of the evidence of the literature did not allow to recommend the skin disinfectant to be used nor the relevance of a preoperative vaginal disinfection nor the choice between the use or nonuse of an indwelling bladder catheterization (if micturition takes place 1 hour before the cesarean section). The Misgav-Ladach technique or its analogues should be considered rather than the Pfannenstiel technique to reduce maternal morbidity (weak recommendation) bladder flap before uterine incision should not be performed routinely (weak recommendation), but a blunt (weak recommendation) and cephalad-caudad extension of uterine incision (weak recommendation) should be considered to reduce maternal morbidity. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to reduce maternal infectious morbidity (strong recommendation) without recommendation on its type or the timing of administration (before incision or after cord clamping). The administration of carbetocin after cord clamping does not significantly decrease the incidence of blood loss>1000 ml, anemia, or blood transfusion compared with the administration of oxytocin. Thus, it is not recommended to use carbetocin rather than oxytocin in cesarean. It is recommended that systematic manual removal of the placenta not to be performed (weak recommendation). An antiemetic should be administered after cord clamping in women having a planned cesarean under locoregional anaesthesia to reduce intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting (strong recommendation) with no recommendation regarding choice of use one or two antiemetics. The level of evidence of the literature was insufficient to provide any recommendation concerning single or double-layer closure of the uterine incision, or the uterine exteriorization. Closing the peritoneum (visceral or parietal) should not be considered (weak recommendation). The quality of the evidence of the literature was not sufficient to provide recommendation on systematic subcutaneous closure, including in obese or overweight patients, or the use of subcuticular suture in obese or overweight patients. The use of subcuticular suture in comparison with skin closure by staples was not considered as a recommendation due to the absence of a consensus in the external review rounds.

CONCLUSION

In case of cesarean, preventing hypothermia, administering antiemetic and antibiotic prophylaxis after cord clamping are the only strong recommendations. The Misgav-Ladach technique, the way of performing uterine incision (no systematic bladder flap, blunt cephalad-caudad extension), not performing routine manual removal of the placenta nor closure of the peritoneum are weak recommendations and may reduce maternal morbidity.

Monofilament vs multifilament suture for uterine closure at the time of cesarean delivery: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Different factors may influence the closure of the uterine wall, including suture material. Suture materials may indeed influence tissue healing and therefore the development of scar defects.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether uterine closure using synthetic absorbable monofilament sutures at the time of cesarean delivery would reduce the rate of cesarean scar defects compared with uterine closure using synthetic absorbable multifilament sutures.

STUDY DESIGN

Parallel-group, nonblinded, randomized clinical trial of women with singleton pregnancies undergoing cesarean delivery at term in a single center in Italy. The inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, first or second cesarean delivery, scheduled and emergent or urgent cesarean deliveries, and gestational age between 37 0/7 and 42 0/7 weeks. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the monofilament group (polyglytone 6211 [Caprosyn]; Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) or the multifilament suture group (coated polyglactin 910 suture with Triclosan [Vicryl Plus]; Ethicon, Inc, Raritan, NJ). The primary outcome was the incidence of cesarean scar defect at ultrasound at the 6-month follow-up visit. The secondary outcomes were residual myometrial thickness and symptoms.

RESULTS

Overall, 300 women were included in the trial. Of the randomized women, 151 were randomized to the monofilament group and 149 to the multifilament group. However, 27 women were lost to follow-up: 15 in the monofilament group and 12 in the multifilament group. Of note, 6 months after delivery, the incidence rates of cesarean scar defect were 18.4% (25 of 136 patients) in the monofilament group and 23.4% (32 of 137 patients) in the multifilament group (relative risk, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-1.25; P=.31). The mean residual myometrial thicknesses were 7.6 mm in the monofilament group and 7.2 mm in the multifilament group (mean difference, +0.40 mm; 95% confidence interval, -0.23 to 1.03). There was no between-group substantial difference found in the incidence of symptoms, including pelvic pain, painful periods, and dyspareunia.

CONCLUSION

In singleton pregnancies undergoing primary or second cesarean delivery, the use of synthetic absorbable monofilament sutures at the time of uterine wall closure was not associated with a reduction in the rate of cesarean scar defect 6 months after delivery compared with the use of synthetic absorbable multifilament sutures.

Transverse versus longitudinal blunt extension of the uterine incision during cesarean section in women with a uterine scar of previous cesarean delivery: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare two different blunt extension techniques of the lower segment transverse uterine incision at cesarean delivery in women with a uterine scar of previous cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Study design: Prospective single-blinded parallel multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 392 cases equally divided into two groups. Group one had their incision extended transversely, while group two had their incision extended longitudinally.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the unintended extension of the uterine incision, while the secondary outcomes included the need for additional stitches to achieve hemostasis, the drop in hemoglobin level, uterine vessels injury, and the need for blood transfusion.

RESULTS

No significant difference between the transverse and longitudinal extension of the uterine incision during cesarean section as regards unintended uterine extension (P = 0.860), uterine vessel injury (P = 0.501), and cases requiring blood transfusion (P = 0.814). Significantly lower drop in hemoglobin level (P ≤ 0.001) and significantly less need for additional stitches (P ≤ 0.001) in cases with the longitudinal extension of uterine incision.

CONCLUSION

In women with a uterine scar of previous cesarean delivery, the blunt longitudinal extension of the uterine incision in the lower segment cesarean section didn't differ from the blunt transverse extension as regards unintended uterine extension but is associated with less hemoglobin drop and less need for additional stitches as compared to transverse extension of the incision. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term complications of both techniques.

Cephalad-caudad versus transverse blunt expansion of the low transverse hysterotomy during cesarean delivery decreases maternal morbidity: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Cesarean delivery is the most prevalent surgical procedure worldwide, reaching approximately 29.7 million cases in 2015. It is directly associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity rates in the absence of malpresentation. Several techniques have been investigated, and there is evidence that cephalad-caudad expansion of the uterine incision might be associated with improved maternal outcomes compared with traditional transverse blunt expansion. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of cephalad-caudad expansion on adverse maternal outcomes, including intraoperative blood loss, risk of uterine vessel injury, and tearing of the lower uterine segment.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to January 2021.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of the cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the low transverse uterine incision during cesarean delivery rather than those of transverse blunt expansion were selected for inclusion.

METHODS

Effect sizes were calculated with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects model in R. Trial sequential analysis was performed to evaluate the adequacy of sample sizes.

RESULTS

Cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the uterine incision was associated with a lower prevalence of unintended incision extension (relative risk, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.86) and uterine vessel injury (relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.73). However, these complications were not accompanied by the increased need for additional suture placement (relative risk, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-4.12) or transfusion rates (relative risk, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-2.03). Similarly, the intraoperative duration was comparable with cases treated with transverse blunt expansion (mean difference = -0.45 minutes; 95% confidence interval -2.12 to 1.21) and the risk of intentional incision extension in the form of an inverted T (relative risk, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.52). Trial sequential analysis revealed that the required sample size was reached in the unintended incision extension and uterine vessel injury outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study suggested that cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the uterine incision is superior to transverse expansion in terms of reducing unintended incision extension and uterine vessel injury.

Cesarean delivery: an evidence-based review of the technique

The cesarean section is utilized to deliver babies since the late 19^th century. Nowadays, the frequency of cesarean section is increased, mainly because of the low rate of complications and for the increasing demand from future mothers, scared by the idea of painful labor. Although the technique to perform cesarean section has been refined over time, infections, hemorrhage, pain and other consequences still represent matter of debate. To try to reduce the incidence of these complications many trials, randomized or not, have been performed, with the aim to analyze different technical aspects of this surgery. The aim of our review was to resume all the evidence-based instructions on how to best approach to cesarean section practice, in a step-to-step fashion, considering pre-operative actions, opening and closing steps, and postoperative prophylaxis.

The Case for Standardizing Cesarean Delivery Technique: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

In this Commentary, we explain the case for a standardized cesarean delivery surgical technique. There are three strong arguments for a standardized approach to cesarean delivery, the most common major abdominal surgery performed in the world. First, standardization within institutions improves safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in health care delivery. Second, surgical training among obstetrics and gynecology residents would become more consistent across hospitals and regions, and proficiency in performing cesarean delivery measurable. Finally, standardization would strengthen future trials of cesarean delivery technique by minimizing the potential for aspects of the surgery which are not being studied to bias results. Before 2013, more than 155 randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses or systematic reviews were published comparing various aspects of cesarean delivery surgical technique. Since 2013, an additional 216 similar studies have strengthened those recommendations and offered evidence to recommend additional cesarean delivery techniques. However, this amount of cesarean delivery technique data creates a forest for the trees problem, making it difficult for a clinician to synthesize this volume of data. In response to this difficulty, we propose a comprehensive, evidence-based and standardized approach to cesarean delivery technique.

Retained Intrauterine Sutures for 6 Years

The most common sutures used for uterine suturing during cesarean section (CS) are vicryl and/or chromic catgut. The sutures' chemistry and polymer morphology alter sutures' performance and absorption. If the sutures used during CS undergo inappropriate hydrolysis and absorption, the retained intrauterine sutures may cause intrauterine inflammations with subsequent abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and/or infertility. This report represents a rare case report of retained intrauterine sutures for 6 years after previous CS, which were incised and released from its attachment to the uterine wall using operative hysteroscopy. This report highlights that the retained intrauterine sutures may interfere with sperm transport and implantation and act as a foreign body with subsequent intrauterine inflammation and infertility. In addition, the report highlights the role of a hysteroscopy as the gold standard for uterine cavity assessment in women presented with AUB and/or infertility.

Perioperative gabapentin and post cesarean pain control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Cesarean delivery occurs in roughly one third of pregnancies. Effective postoperative pain control is a goal for patients and physicians. Limiting opioid use in this period is important as some percentage of opioid naïve individuals will develop persistent use. Gabapentin is a non-opioid medication that has been used perioperatively to improve postoperative pain and limit opioid requirements. The goal of this study is to determine the efficacy of perioperative gabapentin in improving post cesarean delivery pain control. The following data sources were searched from their inception through October 2018: MEDLINE, Ovid, ClinicalTrials.gov, Sciencedirect, and the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials. A systematic review of the literature was performed to include all randomized trials examining the effect of perioperative gabapentin on post cesarean delivery pain control and other postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome was the analgesic effect of gabapentin on post cesarean delivery pain, measured by visual analog scale (VAS; 0-100) or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 0-10) on movement 24 hours (h) postoperative. These scores were directly compared by multiplying all NRS scores by a factor of 10. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, to produce summary treatment effects in terms of mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Six placebo controlled trials (n = 645) were identified as relevant and included in the meta-analysis. All studies included only healthy pregnant women (American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I or II) undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery at term. Participants were randomized to either 600 mg oral gabapentin or placebo preoperatively and in one study the medications were also continued postoperatively. Pooled data showed that women who received gabapentin prior to cesarean delivery had significantly lower VAS pain scores at 24 h on movement (MD -11.58, 95% CI -23.04 to -0.12). VAS pain scores at other time points at rest or on movement were not significantly different for those who received gabapentin and placebo although there was a general trend toward lower pain scores for women receiving gabapentin. There was no significant between-group difference in use of additional pain medications, supplemental opioids, and maternal or neonatal side effects. There was higher pain control satisfaction at 12 and 24 h in the gabapentin versus placebo groups.

Unintended hysterotomy extension during caesarean delivery: risk factors and maternal morbidity

We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study to evaluate the risk factors and the maternal morbidity associated with unintended extensions of the hysterotomy during caesarean delivery. We evaluated 2707 women who underwent low-transverse caesarean deliveries in 2011 at an academic, tertiary-care hospital. Hysterotomy extensions were identified through operative reports. Of the 2707 caesarean deliveries, 392 (14.5%) had an unintended hysterotomy extension. On the multivariable regression modelling, neonatal weight (OR 1.42; 95%CI 1.17-1.73), the arrest of labour [first-stage arrest (2.42; 1.73-3.38); second-stage arrest (5.54; 3.88-7.90)] and a non-reassuring foetal status (1.65; 1.20-2.25) were significantly associated with hysterotomy extensions. Hysterotomy extensions were significantly associated with an increased morbidity including an estimated blood loss >1200 millilitres (2.06; 1.41-3.02), a decline in postoperative haemoglobin ≥3.7 g/dL (2.07; 1.35-3.17), an evaluation for lower urinary tract injury (5.58; 3.17-9.81), and a longer operative time (8.11; 6.33-9.88). Based on these results, we conclude that unintended hysterotomy extensions significantly increase the maternal morbidity of caesarean deliveries. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Maternal morbidity associated with caesarean delivery (CD) is significantly greater than that in vaginal delivery. Unintended extensions of the hysterotomy occur in approximately 4-8% of CDs and are more common after a prolonged second stage of labour. The morbidity associated with hysterotomy extensions has been incompletely evaluated. What do the results of this study add? We demonstrate a rate of hysterotomy extension in a general obstetric population of approximately 15%, which is higher than previously reported estimates, and represents a potential doubling of the rate of the unintended hysterotomy extensions in recent years. The most significant risk factor for a hysterotomy extension was a second-stage labour arrest with a fourfold increase in the frequency of extensions. A hysterotomy extension is a significant independent risk factor for an intraoperative haemorrhage, a drop in postoperative haemoglobin, an intraoperative evaluation for lower urinary tract injury, and longer CD operative times. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? A second-stage arrest is a strong independent risk factor for a hysterotomy extension. Recent re-evaluations of the labour curve that extend the second stage of labour will likely increase the frequency of CDs performed after a prolonged second stage. In these scenarios, obstetricians should be prepared for an unintended hysterotomy extension and for the possibility of a longer procedure with the increased risks of blood loss and the need for evaluation of the lower urinary tract.

Risk of Cesarean scar defect following single- vs double-layer uterine closure: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the surgical technique for uterine closure following Cesarean delivery influences the healing of the Cesarean scar, but there is still no consensus on the optimal technique. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effect of single- vs double-layer uterine closure on the risk of uterine scar defect.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception of each database until May 2016. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of single- vs double-layer uterine closure following low transverse Cesarean section on the risk of uterine scar defect were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of uterine scar defects detected on ultrasound. Secondary outcomes were residual myometrial thickness evaluated by ultrasound and the incidence of uterine dehiscence and/or rupture in subsequent pregnancy. Summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD), with 95% CIs. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs (3969 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall risk of bias of the included trials was low. Statistical heterogeneity within the studies was low, with no inconsistency in the primary and secondary outcomes. Women who received single-layer uterine closure had a similar incidence of uterine scar defects as did women who received double-layer closure (25% vs 43%; RR, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.36-1.64); five trials; 350 participants; low quality of evidence). Compared with double-layer uterine closure, women who received single-layer closure had a significantly thinner residual myometrium on ultrasound (MD, -2.19 mm (95% CI, -2.80 to -1.57 mm); four trials; 374 participants; low quality of evidence). No difference was found in the incidence of uterine dehiscence (0.4% vs 0.2%; RR, 1.34 (95% CI, 0.24-4.82); three trials; 3421 participants; low quality of evidence) or uterine rupture (0.1% vs 0.1%; RR, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.05-5.53); one trial; 3234 participants; low quality of evidence) in a subsequent pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Single- and double-layer closure of the uterine incision following Cesarean delivery are associated with a similar incidence of Cesarean scar defects, as well as uterine dehiscence and rupture in a subsequent pregnancy. However, the quality level of summary estimates, as assessed by GRADE, was low, indicating that the true effect may be, or is even likely to be, substantially different from the estimate of the effect. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Interventions for treating hyperemesis gravidarum: a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

While nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy are very common, affecting approximately 80% of the pregnancies, hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form affecting 0.3-1.0% of the pregnancies. Although hyperemesis gravidarum is rarely a source of mortality, it is a significant source of morbidity. It is one of the most common indications for hospitalization in pregnancy. Beyond the maternal and fetal consequences of malnutrition, the severity of hyperemesis symptoms causes a major psychosocial burden leading to depression, anxiety, and even pregnancy termination. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine all randomized controlled trials of interventions specifically for hyperemesis gravidarum and evaluate them based on both subjective and objective measures of efficacy, maternal and fetal/neonatal safety, and economic costs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were identified by searching electronic databases. We included all randomized controlled trials for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. The primary outcome was intervention efficacy as defined by severity, reduction, or cessation in nausea/vomiting; number of episodes of emesis; and days of hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included other measures of intervention efficacy, adverse maternal/fetal/neonatal outcomes, quality of life measures, and economic costs.

RESULTS

Twenty-five trials (2052 women) met the inclusion criteria but the majority of 18 different comparisons described in the review include data from single studies with small numbers of participants. Selected comparisons reported below: No primary outcome data were available when acupuncture was compared with placebo. There was insufficient evidence to identify clear differences between acupuncture and metoclopramide in a study with 81 participants regarding reduction/cessation in nausea or vomiting (risk ratio (RR) 1.40, 95% CI 0.79-2.49 and RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.92-2.48, respectively). Midwife-led outpatient care was associated with fewer hours of hospital admission than routine inpatient admission (mean difference (MD) - 33.20, 95% CI -46.91 to -19.49) with no difference in pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea (PUQE) score, decision to terminate the pregnancy, miscarriage, small-for-gestational age infants, or time off work when compared with routine care. Women taking vitamin B6 had a slightly longer hospital stay compared with placebo (MD 0.80 days, 95% CI 0.08-1.52). There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate a difference in other outcomes including mean number of episodes of emesis (MD 0.50, 95% CI -0.40-1.40) or side effects. A comparison between metoclopramide and ondansetron identified no clear difference in the severity of nausea or vomiting (MD 1.70, 95% CI -0.15-3.55, and MD -0.10, 95% CI -1.63-1.43; one study, 83 women, respectively). However, more women taking metoclopramide complained of drowsiness and dry mouth (RR 2.40, 95% CI 1.23-4.69, and RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.10-5.11, respectively). There were no clear differences between groups for other side effects. In a single study with 146 participants comparing metoclopramide with promethazine, more women taking promethazine reported drowsiness, dizziness, and dystonia (risk ratio (RR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.87, RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.69, and RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.90, respectively). There were no clear differences between groups for other important outcomes including quality of life and other side effects. In a single trial with 30 women, those receiving ondansetron had no difference in duration of hospital admission compared to those receiving promethazine (mean difference (MD) 0.00, 95% CI -1.39-1.39), although there was increased sedation with promethazine (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.94). Regarding corticosteroids, in a study with 110 participants there was no difference in days of hospital admission compared to placebo (MD -0.30, 95% CI -0.70-0.10), but there was a decreased readmission rate (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94; 4 studies, 269 women). For hydrocortisone compared with metoclopramide, no data were available for primary outcomes and there was no difference in the readmission rate (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00-1.28; one study, 40 women). In a study with 80 women, compared to promethazine, those receiving prednisolone had increased nausea at 48 h (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.08-3.72), but not at 17 days (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.58-1.15). There was no clear difference in the number of episodes of emesis or subjective improvement in nausea/vomiting.

CONCLUSIONS

While there were a wide range of interventions studied, both pharmaceutical and otherwise, there were a limited number of placebo controlled trials. In comparing the efficacy of the commonly used antiemetics, metoclopramide, ondansetron, and promethazine, the results of this review do not support the clear superiority of one over the other in symptomatic relief. Other factors such as side effect profile medication safety and healthcare costs should also be considered when selecting an intervention.

Postcesarean wound infection: prevalence, impact, prevention, and management challenges

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications following cesarean section, and has an incidence of 3%-15%. It places physical and emotional burdens on the mother herself and a significant financial burden on the health care system. Moreover, SSI is associated with a maternal mortality rate of up to 3%. With the global increase in cesarean section rate, it is expected that the occurrence of SSI will increase in parallel, hence its clinical significance. Given its substantial implications, recognizing the consequences and developing strategies to diagnose, prevent, and treat SSI are essential for reducing postcesarean morbidity and mortality. Optimization of maternal comorbidities, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, and evidence-based surgical techniques are some of the practices proven to be effective in reducing the incidence of SSI. In this review, we describe the biological mechanism of SSI and risk factors for its occurrence and summarize recent key clinical trials investigating preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative practices to reduce SSI incidence. It is prudent that the surgical team who perform cesarean sections be familiar with these practices and apply them as needed to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality related to SSI.