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, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Bihar. 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.