A clinical study of primary caesarean section at a tertiary care hospital in coastal city: an observational study

Background: Caesarean section represents the most significant operative intervention in obstetrics and its development and application has saved the lives of countless mothers and infants. However there has been a steady increase in the rate of caesarean sections worldwide. In this study, we aim to find the primary caesarean section rates and strategies to cut it down.Methods: This was a prospective observational study done from January 2018 to June 2019 at Justice K. S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangaluru which included 379 cases of primary cesarean sections. All patients undergoing primary caesarean section with gestational age >28 weeks confirmed by dates, clinical examination and ultrasound were included in this study. Patients who had undergone previous caesarean section or were less than 18 years of age or were less than 28 weeks of gestation were excluded from the study.Results: In this study the rate of primary caesarean section was found to be 14.5% and the majority of the study subjects belonged to the age group of 18-27 years (62.3%). With respect to parity, primigravida were high in number (71.2%), followed by multigravida. The number of emergency caesarean sections were (79%) more than elective (21%). The most common intra-operative complication was post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) in 2.8% and the most common postoperative complication was wound gape in 2.1%.Conclusions: Maximum efforts should be made to allow progression of vaginal delivery in primigravida which helps us to bring down the primary caesarean rate.

Impact of condom balloon tamponade on the rate of obstetric hysterectomy: a ten-year study

Background: The objective of this present study was to assess the efficacy of condom uterine balloon tamponade (C-UBT) in averting the obstetric hysterectomy (OH) in cases of major postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) over a period of 10 years.Methods: A retrospective cohort study from January 2010 to December 2019. A historical cohort was drawn from a group of women who had OH for major PPH between Jan 2010 to December 2014 (Group 1) whereas those from January 2015 to December 2019 were designated as Group 2. Total 305 C-UBT were used in the later period. Women who had OH at <28 weeks were excluded from the study. Primary outcome was to determine the efficacy of C-UBT in averting the risk of OH. Secondary objective was to determine the success rate of C-UBT after five years of useResults: Total 37463 births occurred from January 2010 to December 2014 and 38808 during January 2015 to December 2019. Cases of OH were 33 in the first five years period (Group 1) and 20 in the later (Group 2), p=<05, odds ratio=0.58 with 95% CI 0.335-1.019 favoring C-UBT.  After exclusion of rupture uterus and placenta accreta syndrome, OH for uterine atony alone were 22 (66.6%) for Group 1 and 08 (40%) for Group 2, P=0.01 odds ratio=0.350 (95% CI 0.156-0.788). No OH was done in group 2 for placenta previa. Efficacy of C-UBT was 96%.Conclusions: C-UBT is very safe, cheap and effective option for averting OH and associated physical, emotional and psychosocial morbidity.

Changing trends in uterine rupture audit, from the Institute of obstetrics and gynecology, modern government maternity hospital, Osmania medical college

Background: Between January 2001 to September 2003, 46,171 deliveries were recorded, the number of caesarean deliveries during this period of two years and nine months were 16,182 (35.04%).  Methods: An Audit from the Institute of obstetrics and gynecology, of uterine ruptures.Results: Total 81 cases of uterine rupture were managed at the Institute. Total number of scar ruptures managed were, 48/81 uterine ruptures. Five women had previous classical upper segment caesarean, and in previous lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), there were 43 cases of rupture uterus. In two cases following forceps delivery, traumatic uterine ruptures were recorded. Spontaneous ruptures were 31 during the study period. Bladder rupture occurred in 13 cases, 16.04% of uterine ruptures.  The fetal outcome in uterine ruptures 81 cases, live births were 19-23.45%. The number of vaginal births after caesarean section were 261, 215, 186 in the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 at the Institute of obstetrics and gynecology. The number of scar ruptures were 7/261, 9/215, 2/186 in the respective years. Hysterectomy was done in 43/81=53.08%. Rent repair of the uterine rupture was done in 38/81.Conclusions: An Audit from the Institute of obstetrics and gynecology, of uterine ruptures has provided the following data that gives an insight into the practice of obstetrics during the decade 2000 to 2010 in the teaching Institute.  Caesarean deliveries accounted for 35.04% of the total deliveries.  Repeat caesarean sections were 7105, 43.9%. The number of vaginal births after caesarean section (VBAC) were 662. Scar ruptures in VBAC were 18 /662-2.71%. The maternal mortality in MGMH study was 3/81 uterine ruptures-3.7%. Scar ruptures constituted, 48/81-59.25% of uterine ruptures. Trial of labor after caesarean (TOLAC) and VBAC are practiced in the teaching Institute.

Bakri postpartum balloon: an obstetrician’s armamentarium in managing post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), an obstetric emergency that can complicate vaginal or cesarean deliveries and associated with serious complications. Guidelines for the management of PPH involve a stepwise escalation of pharmacological and eventual surgical approaches. In women who do not respond to uterotonics or medical treatment, a variety of procedures, such as arterial embolization, surgical ligation of the uterine arteries or obstetric hysterectomy, may be used. The Bakri balloon is an intrauterine device indicated to reduce or control PPH temporarily when conservative treatment is warranted. Here, we are presenting case series of primary atonic PPH and which were managed by Bakri Balloon Tamponade (BBT).Methods: This case series included five women with PPH managed by Bakri balloon as a conservative therapeutic option.Results: All five women were in age group between 23 years to 34 years. The causes of PPH were uterine atony, retained placenta and central placenta previa. The Bakri balloon was successful in controlling hemorrhage in all women (five of five) who did not respond to medical uterotonic treatment.Conclusions: Bakri balloon is a simple, easy to use and effective method for conservative management of acute PPH. This device reduces bleeding, shortens the hospital stay and avoids the need for more aggressive procedures.

Intravenous oxytocin bolus and infusion versus infusion alone on the blood loss during caesarean section

Background: PPH is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the world. In India >30% maternal mortality is because of PPH.Methods: 250 females posted for LSCS were randomised into 2 groups. Group A: 5U oxytocin bolus + 40U oxytocin infusion @125 ml/hour in 500 ml saline. Group B: 5 ml Saline bolus + 40 U oxytocin infusionPrimary outcome was to measure blood loss (objective and subjective). Secondary outcomes were time for uterine hardening, additional uterotonic agents, hemodynamic changes, side effects and need for blood transfusion within 24 hours of LSCS.Results: Blood loss was significantly less in Group A in objective as well as subjective assessment (p<0.001). Requirement for additional oxytocin bolus was significantly higher in Group B as compared Group A (p=0.025). Postoperative hematocrit of Group A was higher than that of Group B (p<0.001). Transfusion requirement was significantly higher (p=0.04) in Group B (9.6% versus 3.2%). There was no significant difference in hemodynamics between the groups in the intraoperative period (p>0.05). However, during the postoperative period increase in heart rate was noted in Group B (p<0.05). Vomiting was the only major side effect observed, which was higher in Group A (5.6% versus 3.2%).Conclusions: Combination of 5U oxytocin bolus followed by an infusion of 40 U oxytocin given over 4 hours routinely in ASA grade I and ASA grade II parturient significantly decreases the operative blood loss during LSCS without causing any hemodynamic variability. This regimen provides better uterine contractility, lesser need for additional utero-tonic agents and lesser requirement of blood transfusion.

A case of foetal macrosomia

Fetal macrosomia is an upcoming challenge in the field of obstetrics due to its rising incidence. The incidence varies according to ethnicity, genetic differences and anthropometric discrepancies between populations. Obesity, previous history of macrosomia, multiparity, diabetes and post-dated pregnancy are few risk factors associated with macrosomia. Management of macrosomia is a big challenge as no precise guidelines have been set. Macrosomia is associated with multiple maternal and foetal complications like operative delivery, post partum haemorrhage, perineal trauma, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, skeletal injury, birth asphyxia etc. We report a case of foetal macrosomia, weighing 5.5kg which was delivered by LSCS to a woman having BMI - 26.6kg/m² with 39 weeks of pregnancy with history of previous LSCS. There was no maternal or foetal complication. There was no history of diabetes in present pregnancy and inter conception period. Because of rarity of this condition we report this case of foetal macrosomia with a short review of literature.

Vaginal ligation of descending branch of uterine artery in the management of massive secondary post-partum haemorrhage

A 25 year old lady presented on day 22 of an uneventful caesarean delivery, in a state of class IV haemorrhagic shock, secondary to sudden onset of vaginal bleeding without any inciting cause. Immediate resuscitation was initiated and the cause for massive secondary post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) was identified as an actively bleeding vessel at 3 ‘O’ clock position on a visibly healthy cervix with a well contracted uterus. This was the descending branch of left uterine artery, which was ligated after pulling the cervix with a sponge holder towards the introitus and application of Vicryl No 1-0 suture. The bleeding decreased significantly post vascular ligation. Further exploration of vagina and cervix did not reveal any active bleeding or laceration and no retained placental tissue was found inside uterine cavity on ultrasound examination. This is a rare case of Massive Secondary PPH in a post-caesarean patient due to spontaneous giving way of descending branch of uterine artery.

The multifarious oxytocin: a review

Oxytocin over centuries has always been regarded as the drug of paramount importance during childbirth. Oxytocin, a peptide hormone facilitates parturition and breastfeeding. These nine amino acid peptides have presently been found to be associated with a wide variety of pathophysiological functions associated with social behaviours. It has been recently recognised as an important modulator of human social behaviour. Its correlation as a common factor important in various neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, personality disorders and autism, mood and anxiety disorders has been highlighted. Anticipatory role of oxytocin in osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer has been coaxing the researchers for developing new therapeutic modalities. Over a course of past 100 years, oxytocin has come a long way from being an insipid agent used as an aid in labour and delivery to the drug of neuropsychiatric conditions. This review article summarises the varied functions of oxytocin, its apt dosing when used therapeutically and reinforcement of development of new lines of treatment involving the use of oxytocin and antagonists for multiple human disorders.

Training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities of management of post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops  at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.

Case Review: Post Partum Vulvo-vaginal Haematomas and Options of Management

Vulvo-vaginal haematomas are not an uncommon obstetric complication. Despite advances in obstetric care, practice and technique, vulvo-vaginal haematomas do occur especially in complicated vaginal deliveries. Various management options are available for vulvo-vaginal haematomas. We describe three cases of vulvo-vaginal haematomas with different severity and presentations which were managed in different manners i.e. local haemostasis control, laparotomy with hysterectomy, and transarterial embolisation. The choice of treatment options would mainly depend on the clinical presentations, availability of expertise as well as facilities. Early identification is crucial.