Clinical significance of uterine scar tenderness and third trimester sonographic scar thinning in predicting scar complications

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical significance of uterine scar tenderness and sonographic scar thinning in predicting strength of scar in patients with lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Method: A prospective study was conducted over a period of one year in the department of Obstetrics and gynecology. Women undergoing LSCS with history of previous one LSCS were assessed for scar tenderness and; their third trimester's sonographic LUS scar thickness detail was noted. They were divided in two groups (A&B) on the basis of whether scar tenderness and/or sonographic scar thinning (< 3.5 mm) were present or not. Findings were correlated with intra-operative scar conditions. Result: Study showed that out of 50 patients of group A, 23 patients had scar complications while 27 patients had no such complications. Out of 47 patients of group B, only 5 had scar complications, while in remaining 42 patients no scar complication was found intra-operatively. Conclusion: Timely done caesarean section in pregnant woman with scar tenderness and/or thin third trimester sonographic scar can definitely bring down the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.