ULTRASOUND PREDICTABILITY OF LOWER UTERINE SEGMENT CAESAREAN SECTION SCAR THICKNESS

Background And Aims: The global increase in Caesarean section (CS) rates has raised concerns about the associated risks for both mothers and babies, especially with repeated procedures. This has led many working mothers to opt for vaginal delivery when possible. To better predict the risk of scar dehiscence or rupture, evaluating the thickness of the CS scar near term using ultrasound has been suggested. This study aims to determine the relationship between sonographic scar thickness and the intraoperative status of the scar. Methods: A total of 265 antenatal women with previous one CS between 35 completed weeks to 38+6 weeks period of gestation were included in the study. The study was conducted at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Motilal Nehru Medical College and Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study utilized transabdominal ultrasonography for lower segment caesarean section scar thickness measurement. Sonographic findings were then correlated with intraoperative findings. Result: Gestational age at the time of caesarean section was between 35 completed weeks to 38+6 weeks period of gestation with a mean of 37.78±0.86 weeks. The mean scar thickness was 3.29±0.64 mm. The association between scar thickness and intraoperative scar status showed a p-value <0.001. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic scar thickness was significantly associated with intraoperative scar status.