Uterine necrosis following B-Lynch suture for primary postpartum haemorrhage

Efficacy, Complications and Effects of Alcides Pereira's Sutures in the Management of Uterine Atony: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Uterine compressive sutures are conservative measures applied in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to uterotonics. Pereira's suture was introduced in 2005 and consists of two longitudinal and three transverse non-transfixes sutures. Previous studies reported favorable results, highlighting its benefits and value. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, complications, and impact on fertility and future pregnancies of Pereira's suture applied in cases of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study was performed by consulting the medical records of women treated with Pereira's compressive sutures in a tertiary center between January 2013 and December 2022. We registered demographic data, pregnancy outcomes, short-term complications, and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies.

RESULTS

A total of 50 women were treated with Pereira's suture. The overall success rate was 96% and no hysterectomies were performed. Women who had sutures performed during an intra-cesarean section had better outcomes than those who had an after-cesarean section. Complications were reported in 12% (n = 6) of women, with the most frequent being pelvic infection (n = 3) and abdominal pain (n = 3). Regarding fertility, all women desiring a future pregnancy (n = 5) were able to conceive, resulting in three live births.

CONCLUSION

Pereira's suture is a type of suture that provides numerous advantages and should be considered when first-line medical treatment fails. When applied at an early stage, the sutures may prevent maternal morbidity. The Alcides Pereira's suture is a safe technique and appears to preserve fertility.

Uterine necrosis following hemostatic compression suture: case report and review of the literature

Objectives

To present a case of uterine necrosis following hemostatic suturing to control postpartum bleeding, and to review the literature in order to identify the suture techniques employed, clinical findings, diagnostics and treatment in the clinical cases described.

Material and methods

A 34-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain eight days after cesarean delivery due to placenta previa who required B-Lynch compression suture due to uterine atony, and who was diagnosed with uterine necrosis. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with a satisfactory recovery. A systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline vía Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science databases. The search included case series and reports, and cohorts of women with uterine necrosis following the use of uterine compression sutures for postpartum bleeding. The analysis included sociodemographic and clinical variables at the time of diagnosis, suturing technique, diagnostic tests and treatment.

Results

Overall, 23 studies with 24 patients were included. Of all necrosis cases, 83% occurred following cesarean section. B-Lynch was the suturing technique most frequently used (66 %), followed by the Cho suture (25 %). The most frequent symptoms were fever and abdominal pain. The most commonly used diagnostic test was computed tomography (9/24 cases). Hysterectomy was performed in the majority of cases (75 %).

Conclusions

Although rare, uterine wall necrosis is a serious complication. It would be advisable to design follow-up cohort studies of women undergoing these procedures in order to determine the incidence of associated complications.

Uterine necrosis, infection, and subinvolution: complications observed after combined application of modified B-Lynch suture and vascular ligation

Compression sutures are primarily used to treat atonic postpartum hemorrhage. We herein describe three cases of selective arterial ligation combined with B-Lynch or modified B-Lynch suture for the treatment of intractable postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to available conservative interventions. Three pregnant women underwent a cesarean section for a macrosomic fetus, fetal distress, and oligohydramnios, respectively. All three women developed intractable postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony with no chance of embolization therapy. B-Lynch or modified B-Lynch suture and additional selective arterial ligation were performed using braided absorbable suture. The first woman developed postoperative hematometra and infection without response to drainage and antibiotic therapy. Although laparoscopic exploration was performed to loosen the suture line and drain the hematometra and pyometra, the necrosis and infection could not be controlled. Subtotal hysterectomy was therefore conducted, and the necrotic uterine adnexa was removed. The other two women developed subinvolution of the uterus resulting in prolonged menstruation and amenorrhea, although the uterus was preserved and the bleeding was controlled. Modified B-Lynch suture combined with vascular ligation is an invaluable technique for women with severe intractable postpartum hemorrhage. However, it can lead to serious complications such as uterine necrosis, infection, and subinvolution.

A case series of post-partum haemorrhage managed using Ellavi uterine balloon tamponade in a rural regional hospital

Uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) should be attempted once emergency measures have been applied and medical treatment for post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) resulting from an atonic uterus has failed. Sinapi Biomedical (Pty) Ltd developed the Ellavi UBT, a free-flow pressure-controlled UBT unit. The device is affordable for use in lesser-resourced countries. A case series of Ellavi UBT used by medical officers in a rural regional hospital without specialist supervision was conducted. This case series was conducted in St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lusikisiki, South Africa. The hospital serves as the regional hospital for the Ingquza Hill Subdistrict in the Eastern Cape Province. The Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha is the tertiary referral hospital. Workshops were conducted on the use of Ellavi UBT, and devices were made freely available to the hospital. The case series included 10 patients. Six patients delivered by caesarean section, and four had normal vertex deliveries. All patients had additional oxytocin infusions, and eight patients received misoprostol. Following the insertion and inflation of the Ellavi UBT, the PPH stopped in seven patients, was much reduced in one patient and reduced in one patient. In one case, the Ellavi UBT had no effect on the bleeding. All 10 patients were referred to the NMAH. All patients in the case series had good outcomes. The insertion of the Ellavi UBT and subsequent referral proved to be feasible in a rural regional hospital. All patients included in the case series arrived at the referral hospital and had a good outcome.

Removable retropubic uterine compression suture for controlling postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To minimize the adverse events of uterine compression suture in controlling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to search for a prophylactic approach to potential PPH.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 39 women with removable retropubic uterine compression suture (RRUCS) to stop PPH due to uterine atony during cesarean section (CS). The procedure was to suspend and compress the uterus to the retropubic abdominal wall using an absorbable suture.

RESULTS

The technique was sufficient to stanch bleeding immediately in 36 patients (92.31%, 36/39). No morbidity or abnormalities occurred in women who underwent RRUCS. Subsequent pregnancies occurred in 10 cases, but the others lacked the desire for future pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

RRUCS is a simple, safe, and effective technique in controlling atonic PPH; it is also used as a prophylactic application in patients with potential PPH after CS.

Uterine compression sutures with additional hemostatic procedures for the management of postpartum hemorrhage

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacies and possible short-term complications in women receiving uterine compression sutures only and those with additional hemostatic procedures for the management of postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS

It was a retrospective study carried out from year 2009 to 2019 at a tertiary obstetric hospital and included 79 women who underwent uterine compression sutures (B-Lynch sutures, Hayman's sutures and Cho's sutures) for primary postpartum hemorrhage. Thirty-six of these women had additional hemostatic procedures (uterine artery ligation or embolization) performed for bleeding control.

RESULTS

Of the 43 women who were primarily treated with uterine compression sutures only, the success rate to preserve the uterus was 97.7% (42/43). In women with uterine compression sutures and additional hemostatic procedures performed, the success rate was 75% (27/36). Among these two groups of women without peripartum hysterectomy, there were no significant differences in the incidence of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (14.8% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.729), postoperative endometritis (14.8% vs. 14.3%; P > 0.99) and retained products of conception (3.7% vs. 9.5%; P = 0.641) during their 6-week postpartum checkup. Three women were diagnosed to have hematometra. No pyometra or uterine necrosis was noted.

CONCLUSION

Uterine compression sutures with additional hemostatic procedures are effective to control postpartum hemorrhage and prevent hysterectomy. The short-term complication rate is low. Long-term monitoring is needed to identify rare but potentially dangerous complications.

A Rare Case of Watery Vaginal Discharge due to Caesarean Scar Dehiscence following Brace Suture and Balloon Tamponade for the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage

A woman in her early twenties with dichorionic diamniotic twins underwent emergency caesarean section (CS) for failed induction of labor for discordant growth at 37 weeks. Her CS was complicated by atonic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) requiring uterotonics, B-lynch suture, and Bakri balloon. She presented on the 5^th postoperative day (POD) with fever and wound pain and collapsed due to desaturation. Investigations confirmed ascites on computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen and cardiomyopathy on echocardiogram. She was readmitted on the 22^nd POD with watery vaginal discharge. CT abdomen revealed a dehisced CS scar and loculated ascites. Her discharge settled after three weeks with antibiotics and drainage of the ascites. A CT scan 3 months later showed reduction of the peritoneal collection. Caesarean scar dehiscence should be considered for patients presenting with ascites and vaginal discharge after a CS, particularly in the presence of risk factors such as infection or anemia.

Bleeding control using intrauterine continuous running suture during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine continuous running suture during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa.

METHODS

We enrolled 277 women and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Pregnant women were grouped according to uterine bleeding control methods as follows: Group A, using intrauterine continuous running suture and Group B (control group) using figure-of-eight suture.

RESULTS

Intrauterine continuous running sutures were used in 104 pregnant women. Mean total blood loss in Group A was significantly less than that in Group B (1332.70 ± 152.92 mL vs 1861.56 ± 157.74 mL, P = 0.029). Mean total transfusion unit of Group A was significantly less than that in Group B (1.74 ± 0.41 vs 3.52 ± 0.75, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Intrauterine continuous running sutures can significantly reduce postpartum blood loss and transfusion units during cesarean section in pregnant women with placenta previa.

Uterine flexion suture: modified B-Lynch uterine compression suture for the treatment of uterine atony during cesarean section

Objective

The aim of this study was to report our clinical experience of applying a uterine flexion suture, which was modified from the B-Lynch uterine compression suture, for treating uterine atony during cesarean section.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study describing the use of a new technique, uterine flexion suture, for treating uterine atony during cesarean section. The study period was from January 2009 to December 2017 at Udonthani Hospital, Udonthani, Thailand. Uterine atony during cesarean section was treated by manual compression, intravenous oxytocin, methylergonovine maleate, and prostaglandins and then was observed for 10-15 minutes before applying a uterine flexion suture in the failed medical treatment cases. The patients were observed for vaginal bleeding, hematometra, and infection after operation. Uterine ultrasound scan results on days 1, 7, and 30 postoperation were also reviewed.

Results

Fifty-seven patients with uterine atony during cesarean delivery received the uterine flexion suture. The mean age of patients was 27.0 (15-44 years). Thirty-four patients were primipara. The indications for cesarean section were cephalopelvic disproportion in 27 (47.4%) cases, and previous cesarean section in 11 (19.3%) cases. Neither postoperative excessive bleeding nor hysterectomy was observed. There was no hematometra or serious postoperative complication after surgery. The estimated time for uterine flexion suture is only 2-3 minutes and was very easy to perform.

Conclusion

Uterine flexion suture technique, which was modified from the B-Lynch suture, was inexpensive, quick, and effective in the treatment of atonic postpartum uterus in women undergoing cesarean section.

Uterocutaneous fistula following B-Lynch suture for primary postpartum haemorrhage

A 30-year-old woman, who had undergone emergency lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) for failed induction 2 months back, presented with a fistulous opening along with discharge from her previous incision scar. She had developed a massive primary postpartum haemorrhage at the time of LSCS 2 months back, which was managed with B-Lynch suture and vessel ligation. Fistulogram revealed a connection between the uterus and the skin. The diagnosis was confirmed by a contrast-enhanced CT scan. Patient was subjected to laparotomy. She was found to have an extensive necrosis of the anterior uterine wall. Total abdominal hysterectomy was done to avoid the risk of sepsis and haemorrhage. Postoperative period was uneventful. Histopathological examination confirmed the necrosis of the uterine wall. This case describes an extremely rare occurrence of uterocutaneous fistula as a result of uterine infarction following the application of B-Lynch suture for primary postpartum haemorrhage.

Vaginal omentum prolapse due to uterine anterior wall necrosis after prophylactic compression suture for postpartum hemorrhage: case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Postpartum or peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal death in Western industrialized countries. Fertility preserving second stage interventions following uterotonic drugs include embolization or ligation of relevant arteries, uterine tamponade or compression sutures. Little is known about the complications due to uterine compression sutures. We describe a case report in association with uterine compression sutures and provide a systematic review on necrosis due to compression sutures (CSU).

Data sources

A PubMed database search was done up to October 1, 2016 without any restrictions of publication date or journal, using the following key words: “compression suture” and “postpartum hemorrhage” or “peripartum hemorrhage”. Reported cases were considered eligible when reason for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), type of compression suture, suture material and type of complication were described.

Results

Among 199 publications a total of 11 reported on uterus necrosis after CSU applied for PPH. B-Lynch and modifications were applied in seven cases, Cho compression sutures in three cases and in one case B-Lynch and Cho techniques were combined. In six cases no additional measures were applied, in two cases vessel ligation, in one case embolization and in one case intrauterine balloon application were applied. In one case of partial necrosis it is not reported if additional measures were applied.

Discussion and conclusion

Uterine compression sutures are a useful method for fertility preserving management of postpartum hemorrhage. The risk of serious complications demands the careful consideration of its use. More research is necessary to improve the technique.

Uterus preserving surgery versus hysterectomy in the treatment of refractory postpartum haemorrhage in two tertiary maternity units in Cameroon: a cohort analysis of perioperative outcomes

Background

Little evidence exists on the efficacy and safety of the different surgical techniques used in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). We aimed to compare uterus preserving surgery (UPS) versus hysterectomy for refractory PPH in terms of perioperative outcomes in a sub-Saharan African country with a known high maternal mortality ratio due to PPH.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the perioperative outcomes of all women managed by UPS (defined as surgical interventions geared at achieving haemostasis while conserving the uterus) versus hysterectomy (defined as surgical resection of the uterus to achieve haemostasis) for PPH refractory to standard medical management in two tertiary hospitals in Cameroon from January 2004 to December 2014. We excluded patients who underwent hysterectomy after failure of UPS. Comparison was done using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test where appropriate. Bonferroni adjustment of the p-value was performed in order to reduce the chance of obtaining false-positive results.

Results

We included 24 cases of UPS against 36 cases of hysterectomy. The indications of surgery were dominated by uterine rupture and uterine atony in both groups. Types of UPS performed were seven bilateral hypogastric artery ligations, seven hysterorraphies, six bilateral uterine artery ligations, three B-Lynch sutures and one Tsirulnikov triple ligation with an overall uterine salvage rate of 83.3%. Types of hysterectomies were 26 subtotal hysterectomies and 10 total hysterectomies. UPS was associated with maternal deaths (RR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.38–3.93.; p: 0.0015) and postoperative infections (RR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.1–3.49; p: 0.0215). The association of UPS with maternal death was not attenuated after Bonferroni correction. Hysterectomy had no statistically significant adverse outcome.

Conclusion

Hysterectomy is safer than UPS in the management of intractable PPH in our setting. The choice of UPS as first-line surgical management of PPH in resource-limited settings should entail diligent anticipation of these adverse maternal outcomes in order to lessen the perioperative burden of PPH.

Recent Advances in the Management of Major Postpartum Haemorrhage - A Review

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide and 75-90% of these haemorrhage results from uterine atony. Delayed and substandard obstetrics care can kill a woman within hours of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH). Prenatal identification of at risk women, prompt assessment of blood loss, effective management and involvement of multidisciplinary teams is of utmost importance to save the lives of these women. However, even with the best prenatal care, PPH occurs, it can occur without any risk factors. The first step in management is achieving haemodynamic stability, second being arrest of bleeding, both are done simultaneously. Cases of refractory PPH is managed by postpartum hysterectomy which results in complete inability in hosting a future pregnancy, a psychological impact and risk of intra operative surgical morbidities. This review discusses the current evidence based management of PPH, existing controversies in transfusion of blood and blood products and newer advances in this field. It was conducted by searching the English language medical literature using Medline (1994-2015). The current scenario in developing countries mandates research on newer and practicable strategies to tackle PPH which can be implemented effectively and have an upper edge over the existing practices in the management of PPH.

Laparoscopic removal of uterine vertical compression sutures

Uterine compression suturing is a relatively easy and effective way of hemostasis during cesarean section and is becoming widely accepted. However, complications such as necrosis or synechiae have been reported. We firstly report a case of laparoscopic removal of vertical compression sutures and discuss its benefits and improvements to be made. This case report is of a 32-year-oId woman with placenta previa who received uterine vertical compression sutures for controlling massive bleeding during cesarean section. Because she complained of unbearable pelvic pain, laparoscopic compression suture removal was performed. Her pain was relieved after the threads were removed, suggesting that the compression sutures were the cause of her pelvic pain due to uterine ischemia. Although the risks of reoperation during the early postpartum period still exist, compression suture thread removal should be considered in cases of suspected uterine ischemia.

[Obstetric outcomes after uterine compression suture for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: Long-term monitoring of 40 cases]

OBJECTIVE

Uterine atony is the first cause of postpartum hemorrhage. In caesarean section, different techniques of uterine compression suture exist when uterotonic drugs fail. Their effectiveness is shown but little data on their effects on subsequent pregnancies are available. The aim of this work is analyze of the obstetrical long-term consequences after uterine compression suture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 40 cases of uterine compression suture performed in a level III maternity, between 2004 and 2010. The main objective is the evaluation of the obstetrical prognosis of subsequent pregnancies. The efficacy and safety of surgical techniques, according to their transfixing character or not, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven pregnancies after uterine compression suture were reported among 14 women whishing another pregnancy. The median time to be pregnant was 27 months (6-78 months). Nine pregnancies were conducted at term. One case of intrauterine growth restriction and a moderate prematurity at 32 weeks were observed. There was no significant difference in efficacy and early surgical complications according to the surgical technique; however, both infectious and ischemic complications were observed after transfixing compression suture.

CONCLUSION

The obstetric prognosis after a uterine compression suture is kept. The transfixing techniques may cause more infectious and ischemic complications. An evaluation of surgical techniques depending on their transfixing, or not, character on a large cohort is necessary for the evaluation of the influence of the technique on fertility and postoperative complications.

Fertility and pregnancy outcomes following B-Lynch sutures for post-partum hemorrhage

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term fertility prognosis after B-Lynch sutures for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent B-Lynch sutures in our hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patient data was collected from hospital records. Information regarding subsequent pregnancies and menstrual complications were obtained by posted questionnaires and telephone interviews with patients who avoided hysterectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 28 B-Lynch sutures were performed in 3976 deliveries, all in patients that underwent cesarean section. Twenty-two of the 26 patients who avoided hysterectomy answered our questionnaire or took part in an interview. All patients recovered regular menstruation with no severe complications. Of the 19 patients who wanted another child, 12 patients (63.2%) had 14 subsequent pregnancies in a mean follow-up period of 52.1 months. The results of pregnancies were nine uncomplicated term pregnancies, all delivered by elective cesarean section, two artificial abortions and three miscarriages. A significant difference was observed in the age of patients with subsequent pregnancies and those without pregnancies (30.8 vs 34.6 years, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

B-Lynch sutures for PPH do not appear to jeopardize fecundity. An older age was a risk factor for achieving subsequent pregnancies.

B-Lynch uterine compression sutures in the conservative surgical management of uterine atony

AIM

To evaluate the success rate and possible complications of the B-Lynch uterine compression sutures in women who suffered from postpartum uterine atony unresponsive to medical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 women who were managed with the B-Lynch suture, with or without additional surgical procedures following uterine atony unresponsive to medical treatment, were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixteen women were primarily managed with the B-Lynch compression sutures, and 11 women had the B-Lynch compression sutures following failure of achievement of hemostasis by ligation of uterine artery alone (n = 4), or uterine artery plus uterine branch of ovarian artery (n = 7). Eight women had bilateral internal iliac artery ligation (BIIAL) following failure of achievement of hemostasis by the B-Lynch compression sutures. Two women (5.5%) underwent post-cesarean hysterectomy. The overall success rate of B-Lynch was 75% (27/36), and the overall success rate of B-Lynch plus BIIAL was 94.4% (34/36). Three women were admitted to the intensive care unit. There was no death related to the hemorrhage in our series. No short-term complications such as uterine necrosis, hematometra, pyometra, or uterine erosion related to the uterine compression suture were observed.

CONCLUSION

Overall success rate of the B-Lynch sutures and B-Lynch sutures plus BIIAL was 75 and 94.4%, respectively. The B-Lynch technique does not necessarily require specific suture material. Uterine devascularization or BIIAL did not increase the risk of the possible short-term complications such as uterine necrosis. In case of failure of the B-Lynch uterine compression sutures, BIIAL may be beneficial to save the uterus.

B-lynch: a technique for uterine conservation or deformation? A case report with literature review

Postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of global maternal mortality and morbidity, accounting for 25-30% of all maternal deaths, and 75-90% of these casualties result from uterine atony. Uterine compressive sutures are a well established measure for control of haemorrhage following atonic postpartum haemorrhage, when medical and nonmedical interventions fail. Here, we are reporting a case of secondary infertility in a 24-year-old lady who had undergone an elective caesarean section for central placenta previa in her first pregnancy. She had massive postpartum haemorrhage, for which B-Lynch suture and vessel ligation were done. Subsequently, she failed to conceive for 4 years. This was because of severe pelvic adhesions and uterine deformation which were found intraoperatively, as a consequence of previous use of B-Lynch suture. As no definitive treatment could be offered to her, we suggested her to go for adoption.

Complications and pregnancy outcome following uterine compression suture for postpartum haemorrhage: a single centre experience

In the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage from uterine atony, uterine compression sutures, such as the B-Lynch suture and its modifications have a role with the advantage of preservation of the uterus for fertility. There is however, a risk that apposition of the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus will impede drainage of lochia, resulting in undesirable complications. We undertook a five-year retrospective study of all women who underwent uterine compression sutures at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, between 2008 and 2012. In total, 23 women had uterine compression sutures during the study period, of which, nineteen women managed to conserve their uterus. Our complication rate was 25%, which included persistent vaginal discharge, pyometra and endometritis. There were three conceptions, with two successful pregnancies. Our study shows uterine compression suture to be a safe and effective alternative to avoid hysterectomy with preservation of fertility at the time of major postpartum haemorrhage. The outcome of subsequent pregnancies is reassuring.

Postpartum hemorrhage: the role of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist in enhancing quality and patient safety

Postpartum hemorrhage in excess of 1000 mL affects 2.9-4.3% of deliveries in North America and the prevalence is increasing (Calvert et al., 2012(1); Callaghan et al., 2010(2)). Given the unpredictable nature of most postpartum hemorrhages, all obstetric providers must understand the initial steps in the assessment and management of this emergency. In this monograph we will review the potential role of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist in managing this acute obstetric emergency. MFMs are uniquely positioned to develop hospital protocols, advocate for investment in resources to optimize outcomes, and utilize novel educational models, such as simulation, to educate other providers on the recognition and management of this condition. MFMs can also aid in the antepartum diagnosis of abnormal placentation, which is an increasingly common risk factor for severe hemorrhage.

A novel approach to teaching placement of a B-lynch suture: description of technique and validation of teaching model

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality throughout the world and uterine atony is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The B-Lynch brace suture is a fertility-sparing approach to treating intractable uterine atony at the time of cesarean delivery. However, many obstetricians lack confidence to perform this procedure, which they may not have performed during residency. In order to train all residents to perform the B-Lynch brace suture, we developed a realistic model by using a flank steak to imitate a gravid uterus.

METHODS

A convenience sample of obstetrics-gynecology faculty and residents at different levels of training at a single large hospital participated in this pilot project. Each physician reported self-perceived understanding of and confidence in performing the B-Lynch procedure before and immediately after practicing the technique using the flank-steak model, via a Likert-type survey (scale 1  =  low, 5  =  high). A Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used to compare the before and after responses.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants completed the flank-steak model training and pretraining/posttraining surveys. The median score (range) for self-perceived understanding was 4 (2-5) and increased to 5 (4-5) (P < .01) after exposure to the training model. The confidence scores rose from 3 (1-5) to 5 (4-5) (P < .01) after training.

CONCLUSION

The flank-steak model for teaching the B-Lynch suture significantly improved resident and faculty self-perceived understanding of and confidence in performing this procedure, which is otherwise rarely practiced in residency.

The B-Lynch technique for the management of intraoperative uterine atony

This paper reports the experience of 150 B-Lynch suture applications for the management of uterine atony during caesarean section that did not respond to conventional therapeutical measures. Technique was considered effective if the need for hysterectomy was avoided. High-risk antenatal obstetrical conditions included: pre-eclampsia (12%), oligohydramnios (8%), polyhydramnios (4.7%). A total of 36% were primigravid, 66% had been in active labour, 4.7% received misoprostol and 26.7% used oxytocin for labour augmentation. Suture was successful in 95.3%, with only five cases requiring hysterectomy combined with uterine artery ligation and two uterine artery ligations alone to control bleeding and uterine atony ('floppiness'). Although 26.7% of cases required transfusions, no maternal deaths were reported, and overall women were discharged after a median 4-day hospital stay without further complications upon follow-up. The B-Lynch technique was an effective intraoperative measure to control uterine atony. Despite the encouraging results, long term assessment on a larger sample is needed in our clinical scenario.

Multiple square sutures for postpartum hemorrhage: results and hysteroscopic assessment

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and morbidity of multiple square sutures in severe postpartum hemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study encompassed 30 multiple square sutures that were performed for severe postpartum hemorrhage in 26,605 deliveries in a tertiary maternity center. The main outcome measures were the ability to stop hemorrhage and the assessment of the uterine cavity by hysteroscopy at 3 months.

RESULTS

Multiple square sutures stopped postpartum hemorrhage in 28 of 30 cases (93%). Twenty women underwent hysteroscopy after multiple square sutures. Eight women (40%) did not have intrauterine adhesions. Nine women (45%) had thin and localized intrauterine adhesions that were removed easily by the tip of the hysteroscope; 2 women had moderate intrauterine adhesions that were resected. One patient had endometritis followed by severe intrauterine adhesions.

CONCLUSION

Multiple square sutures are effective and safe for the control of severe postpartum hemorrhage and for uterine conservation in most cases. Although some patients had moderate or severe adhesions, a normal uterine cavity or minimal intrauterine adhesions that were removed easily were the most frequent findings at hysteroscopy. A prospective study may be helpful to compare the safety and efficiency of square and brace sutures.

Uterine compression sutures as an effective treatment for postpartum hemorrhage: case series

We evaluated the role of uterine compression sutures as a conservative treatment for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after failed medical treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who delivered between 2003 and 2009 at a single tertiary care center and who underwent uterine compression sutures for PPH. Twelve women had uterine compression sutures for PPH. The mean age of the patients was 36.3 ± 5.2 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.7 ± 2.0 weeks, and the average estimated blood loss was 2.1 ± 1.1 L. The mean procedure time to perform the uterine compression sutures was 9.3 ± 2.8 minutes. The success rate of compression sutures was 92% with only one failure resulting in a hysterectomy. Uterine compression sutures are an effective method for the treatment of PPH, thus avoiding hysterectomy and preserving potential fertility.

A new uterine compression suture for postpartum haemorrhage with atony

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of worldwide maternal mortality and is still associated with significant morbidity. After the B-Lynch suture was reported in 1997, several different uterine compression sutures were found to be successful in controlling PPH. In this paper, we describe another simple variation of the uterine compression suture technique, which was performed without an incision in the uterine wall, without entering the uterine cavity and without suturing the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus together, so minimising the trauma to the uterus. This new uterine compression suture is an effective and safe surgical treatment for PPH caused by atony. It has the potential to apply to intractable PPH after vaginal delivery.