Ruptured uterus in Ibadan--a twelve year review

Maternal mortality and morbidity have remained very high in the developing countries. A common cause is ruptured uterus. In this report of 227 cases of ruptured uterus, the incidence was found to be rising. About 71.4% of the cases lacked prenatal care while 48.4% had a previously scarred uterus with many of them laboring for more than 12 h. The most common etiological factor was prolonged labor. Maternal mortality was 7.5% while perinatal mortality was 62.0%. Labor in high risk patients outside hospital because of declining economy and the rising influence of religion were some of the predisposing factors implicated. Methods to reduce this obstetric catastrophe are discussed.