Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of postcesarean section acute complications

Abstract

Background: Cesarean delivery is the most commonly performed major abdominal operation in women. Its rate ranges from 3% to 5% in Africa to 33% in the United States and 43.9% in Brazil with a reported worldwide global estimation of 15%. Although it is a safe procedure, cesarean delivery has a variety of acute and chronic complications. The various acute complications of cesarean section are hematomas, infection, uterine dehiscence or rupture, and pelvic thrombophlebitis. The overall complication rate is around 14.5%. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging findings of acute complications of cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis Govt Medical College, Srinagar from June 2019 to February 2020 in collaboration with department of general surgery and gynecology and obstetrics. All patients with suspected complication in immediate postcesarean period were evaluated with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Results: Out of 25 patients evaluated for suspected immediate postcesarean complications, five patients had bladder flap hematoma only, 8 had uterine dehiscence, six patients had uterine rupture, 3 had ureteric injury, one had gossypiboma while as 2 had pelvic sepsis. Conclusion: MDCT plays an important role in the detection and confirmation of multiple postcesarean acute complication and can also help in guiding the management of complication as well.