Cesarean section scar dehiscence during pregnancy: Case reports

The incidence of cesarean section increased worldwide with subsequent increase in the risk of cesarean section scar dehiscence (CSSD). The clinical significance and the management of the CSSD are still unclear.

Here, we report two cases of CSSD. A 35-year-old woman, gravida 2, previous CS, due to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and breech presentation at 30 weeks, was admitted for elective CS at 38^+3d weeks' gestation. During the second elective CS, it was seen that the site of the previous CS scar was very thin along its whole length and the anterior uterine wall was completely deficient, leaving visible bulging fetal membranes and moving baby underneath. A 32-year-old woman, previous three CSs, was admitted as unbooked case without any antenatal records at 29^+4d weeks' gestation, triplet pregnancy with preterm labor. She received betamethasone and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) for fetal lung and fetal brain protection, respectively, followed by emergency CS. During the CS, the previous CSs scars were dehiscent over more than half of its length and the anterior uterine wall was missing leaving visible fetal membranes. The uterine incision of the studied women was repaired in two layers using vicryl 0 interrupted simple stitches for the first layer, followed by interrupted mattress stitches for the second layer. The studied women had uneventful postoperative recovery and were discharged from the hospital after counseling regarding intraoperative findings, uterine incisions repair, and future pregnancies.

It is useful to assess the lower uterine segment of women with previous CS using the available ultrasound facilities. If the CSSD is diagnosed before the elective CS, the surgeon should prepare himself with the safest uterine incision with least possible complications and the best way of repair of the defective or dehiscent uterine wall.