Rupture of the uterus

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of ruptured uterus, possible etiologic factors and fetomaternal outcomes. METHODS: The birth records of 58262 deliveries at Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Hospital from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1992 were reviewed and the results compared with those of two previous studies reported from this hospital on the same subject. RESULTS: Forty uterine ruptures occurred between 1990 and 1992, with a frequency of 0.068% (1/1457). All occurred spontaneously but 10 (25%) had no previous surgery, whereas 30 followed previous cesarean section. There was no traumatic uterine rupture during this period. Fetal mortality was 32.5% and no maternal deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: The rate of ruptured uterus has declined among our hospital population as etiologic factors responsible for the complication have been reduced.