Rupture Uterus in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Rupture uterus is an obstetric catastrophe with poor maternal and fetal outcome. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of rupture uterus in pregnancy. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care centre from January 2016 to December 2016 after taking ethical approval (Approval No. F-NMC-510/ 76/ 77) from Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. Data were entered in the Microsoft Excel sheet and obtained data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 software for central tendency and frequencies. RESULTS: Out of total 1559 deliveries, prevalence of rupture uterus was found to be 12 (0.77%). Previous lower segment caesarean scar rupture was the most common risk factor noted in 7 (58.3%) cases. A total of seven patients (58.3%) required intensive care unit admission and blood transfusion. Other maternal complications were surgical site infection 2 (16.67%), sepsis 2 (16.67%), paralytic ileus 1 (8.3%), pelvic collection 1 (8.3%) and vesico vaginal fistula 1 (8.3%). Two maternal deaths (16.67%) and perinatal death was noted in 8 (66.66 % ) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Rupture uterus most commonly occurred in scarred uterus. Identification of high risk pregnancy, judicious caesarean section, proper labor monitoring, early diagnosis and prompt management are essential in reducing its occurrences.