Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the experience of uterine rupture at a tertiary obstetric unit in Eastern Turkey and to propose preventive measures.

METHODS:

All uterine rupture cases managed from November 1995 to March 2007 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical School of Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS:

There were 33 cases of uterine rupture with an incidence of 1/287 deliveries. Of these, 72.72% had complete and 27.27% had incomplete uterine rupture. Of the patients, 39.39% had a scarred uterus, 90.90% received no antenatal care, 60.60% were referred after various interventions had been attempted, and 42.42% required subtotal or total hysterectomy. The maternal mortality rate was 15.15% and the perinatal mortality rate was 42.42%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Improvements in antenatal care, reduction in cesarean rates, the place where the birth occurs, and skilled attendants are important factors in reducing uterine rupture.