The risk of uterine rupture is not increased with single- compared with double-layer closure: a Swedish cohort study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare single- with double-layer closure of the uterus for the risk of uterine rupture in women attempting vaginal birth after one prior caesarean delivery. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Sweden. POPULATION From a total of 19 604 nulliparous women delivered by caesarean section in the years 2001-2007, 7683 women attempting vaginal birth in their second delivery were analysed. METHODS: Data from population-based registers were linked to hospital-based registers that held data from maternity and delivery records. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of uterine rupture after single- or double-layer closure of the uterus. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Uterine rupture. RESULTS: Uterine rupture during labour occurred in 103 (1.3%) women. There was no increased risk of uterine rupture when single- was compared with double-layer closure of the uterus (OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.78-1.76). Maternal factors associated with uterine rupture were age ≥35 years and height ≤160 cm. Factors from the first delivery associated with uterine rupture in a subsequent delivery were infection and giving birth to an infant large for gestational age. Risk factors from the second delivery were induction of labour, use of epidural analgesia, and a birthweight of ≥4500 g. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the rate of uterine rupture when single-layer closure was compared with double -layer closure of the uterus.