Niches after cesarean section in a population seeking hysteroscopic sterilization

Lucy Lucet F van der Voet, Tobias Limperg, Sebastiaan Veersema, Anne M. Timmermans, A. Marjolein J. Bij de Vaate, Hans A M Brölmann, Judith A F Huirne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective To study the prevalence of hysteroscopically evaluated disruptions of the integrity of the uterine wall (‘niches’) in women with and without a previous cesarean section. Study design A prospective cohort study was performed in a teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Women seeking hysteroscopic sterilization were included. A hysteroscopic evaluation of the anterior wall of the uterus and cervix to identify the existence of disruptions (niches) was performed in a standard manner. Primary outcome was the presence of a uterine niche, defined as any visible defect, disruption, or concavity (gap) in the anterior wall. Secondary outcome was to develop a registration form of niche features for hysteroscopic evaluation. Results In total, 713 women were included, 603 without and 110 with a previous cesarean section. In women with a previous cesarean Section 83 (75%) niches were observed using hysteroscopy. Anterior wall disruptions were not observed in women without a cesarean section. The following niche features were identified and incorporated in a registration form: polyps, cysts, myometrium defect, fibrotic tissue, (abnormal) vascular pattern, lateral branches, mucus production inside the defect, and bleeding. Conclusion In a prospective cohort study among women undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization, a uterine niche could be detected by hysteroscopy in 75% of women with a previous cesarean section.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)104-108
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume214
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2017

Keywords

  • Cesarean section
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Niche
  • Scar defect

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