Prevalence of cesarean scar defect and evaluation of risk factors among patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

Abstract

Introduction: Cesarean scar defect, is one of the recognized complications after a cesarean section with a wide prevalence of 6.9% to 69%.Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the risk factors in the development of cesarean scar defect in patients who delivered in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study among 389 women who underwent cesarean section from a single center. Transvaginal ultrasonography was done to evaluate the presence of cesarean scar defect. The primary outcome variable was prevalence of cesarean scar defect.Results: The prevalence of cesarean scar defect was 25.19%. Repeat cesarean section, cesarean section done in advanced labour, post-partum haemorrhage and surgical site infections were all independently predictive of its development.Conclusion: Development of scar defect is increased with repeat cesarean section, cesarean section in advanced labour, post-partum haemorrhage and surgical site infection.