Human Reproduction, Vol. 15, No. 5, 1198-1199,
May 2000
© 2000 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Posterior uterine wall rupture during labour: Case report
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
Vaginal births after Caesarean section (VBAC) are well-accepted procedures when pregnant women do not have any contra-indications. The possibilities of the uterine dehisence and rupture during VBAC should always be considered. This occurrence is usually related to the previous scar tissue and subsequent risk is acceptable. Nevertheless, rupture that occurs in presumably normal tissue areas of the uterus instead of in scar tissue areas with resultant perinatal death is extremely rare. We present a 31 year old woman who had posterior uterine rupture when she tried VBAC at 38 weeks gestation. During the course of VBAC, she had a smooth labour course without use of any augmentation medication, but her condition was complicated with uterine rupture without any premonitory signal. It resulted in maternal shock and sequentially the death of the newborn 7 days after delivery. By reviewing this case report, we should keep in mind that prompt response to every woman during labour is of paramount importance to avoid repeating the occurrence of uterine rupture, partly because uterine rupture could occur without prominent signals and partly because subsequent dangers seem to be those created by acts of omission. Finally, the benefits and safety of VBAC have not been undermined because this patient is an isolated and extremely rare case.
Key words: Caesarean section/uterine rupture/vaginal birth