A uterine rupture represents an important complication during pregnancy, as well as during delivery. A uterine rupture can become a life-threatening emergency which requires an immediate Caesarean section. The patient complains about severe, devastating pain. The uterus feels rigid when palpated, and signs of hypovolemic shock are visible. This article presents you with a compact overview of this complication.

Ruptured uterus of the mother.

Image: “Ruptured uterus of the mother.” by Koregol MC, Bellad MB, Nilgar BR, Metgud MC, Durdi G. Licence: CC BY 2.0

Definition of Uterine Rupture

Rupture of the uterine wall

The uterine rupture refers to a rupture of the uterine wall. This rupture can be complete, as well as incomplete. In case of an incomplete uterine rupture, the serosa remains intact.

Epidemiology of Uterine Rupture

Even nowadays, uterine ruptures are very frequent. This severe complication occurs in 1 of 1.500 deliveries.

Etiology of Uterine Rupture

Relative imbalance in uterine rupture

Uterine ruptures are caused by an imbalance between the strain on the uterine wall and the stability of the uterus. The most common cause of rupture during delivery is normally a relative imbalance in case of too narrow maternal pelvis, cervical dystocia or impossible delivery position of the unborn. Ruptures that are independent of delivery usually result after previous surgeries that injured the uterus (e.g. myoma enucleation, s/p Caesarean section).

A patch of placenta adhered to the rupture

Bild: “ A patch of placenta adhered to the rupture…” von Jiang Q, Yang L, Ashley C, Medlin EE, Kushner DM, Zheng Y. Lizenz: CC BY 4.0

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Uterine Rupture

Symptoms of uterine rupture

Typical warning signals for a uterine rupture are very frequent labor that may even develop into hyperactive labor. Patients appear anxious and complain about severe pain and tenderness.

Clinical diagnosis of a uterine rupture

The diagnosis of a uterine rupture can usually be done clinically. Acute bleeding can cause hypovolemic shock, which poses a threat to the fetus. Heart sounds and movements of the unborn cannot be detected anymore.

It is possible for a complete uterine rupture to manifest after vaginal birth. The severe hemorrhage occurs only afterward since the child prevented it before. This can very rapidly lead to shock.

Uterine defect

Image: “Uterine defect within the Caesarean section scar four months after treatment” by Tulpin L, Morel O, Malartic C, Barranger E . Licence: CC BY 3.0

Therapy of Uterine Rupture

In case of impending rupture, a tocolysis is initiated. This can be done, for example, with sympathomimetic drugs or intravenous magnesium sulfate. Subsequently, a Caesarean section is carried out.

A Caesarean section should be done in the case of suspected or previous ruptures. A vaginal delivery would be a contraindication in such circumstances.

After delivery via Caesarean section, it has to be decided whether a suture of the rupture is possible, or if a hysterectomy should be done. In case of hypovolemic shock, fluid replacement, under simultaneous control of blood pressure, is necessary.

Review Questions

The correct answers can be found below the references.

1. Which of the following statements is most likely a cause of a uterine rupture?

  1. s/p. myoma enucleation
  2. s/p. mastectomy
  3. s/p. ablatio
  4. s/p. cholecystectomy
  5. s/p. appendectomy

2. Which of the following symptoms is most likely a typical sign before the presence of a uterine rupture?

  1. Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
  2. Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy
  3. Hyperactive labor
  4. Morning sickness
  5. Hypertension

3. Which one is no component of uterine rupture therapy?

  1. Cesarean section
  2. Vaginal delivery
  3. Tocolysis
  4. Fluid replacement
  5. Hysterectomy
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