Uterine compression sutures as an alternative to hysterectomy for severe postpartum hemorrhage.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of B-Lynch type uterine compression sutures as an alternative to hysterectomy for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony.


METHODS
The use of uterine compression sutures for severe postpartum hemorrhage was reviewed over a 30-month period (January 2000 June 2002) in a tertiary obstetric unit.


RESULTS
In 7 cases of uterine atony at the time of Caesarean section, which were unresponsive to all oxytocic agents, a B-Lynch type compression suture was used before resorting to hysterectomy. In 6 of the 7 women, the bleeding was controlled with the suture, while the other required hysterectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
At the time of writing there were 6 reports in the literature involving a total of 20 women who were successfully treated with this type of compression suture for severe atonic PPH. Our review adds 7 cases and found that the B-Lynch compression suture is easy to apply and should be considered in cases of severe atonic PPH when oxytocic agents fail, and before resorting to hysterectomy.
Smith
Kirsten L
KL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Baskett
Thomas F
TF
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery*