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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to correlate lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness measured by both transvaginal (TVS) and transabdominal ultrasonography (TAS) after completion of 36 weeks of pregnancy with that measured manually using a caliper at the time of cesarean delivery and to determine minimum LUS thickness indicative of its integrity in women who have undergone a previous cesarean section. Background Ultrasound is used to evaluate the LUS, especially if there is a previous scar, and it is more beneficial to predict the possibility of the occurrence of any complications during labor either by repeated cesarean section or by vaginal delivery. Patients and methods Pregnant women admitted to our university hospital at 36-40 weeks«SQ» gestation planning for elective cesarean delivery were included in this study. The patients were subdivided into two groups. Group I (study group) included 50 pregnant patients, ±36-40 weeks, with a history of one previous lower segment cesarean section. Group II (control group) included 50 pregnant patients, ±36-40 weeks, with no history of a previous cesarean section. This group was subdivided into two subgroups: IIA included 25 patients in whom elective cesarean section delivery was planned during the period of study because of obstetric indications and IIB included 25 patients with low-risk pregnancies who had vaginal delivery. All patients were examined by both TAS and TVS to evaluate the thickness of the LUS and the thickness was remeasured using a vernier caliper intraoperatively among those who delivered by an elective cesarean section. Results Evaluation of the LUS by TVS and TAS and comparison of the results of both with the results obtained by actual measurement intraoperatively indicated that TVS was more reliable and accurate. Conclusion Evaluation of LUS scar by TVS is superior compared with TAS.

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