Effect of cesarean delivery on the endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To compare endometrial tissue samples from cesarean scar (CS) sites and from the posterior uterine wall to better understand the pathophysiology of implantation into a CS.


METHODS
Endometrial samples were taken from both a CS site and the posterior wall in premenopausal women with CSs, and from the posterior wall in premenopausal women who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVDs) only.


RESULTS
In the secretory phase, there were significantly fewer leukocytes at CS sites than in the endometrium of women who had SVDs only (P<0.05). Significant differences in leukocytic infiltration and cell proliferation between the proliferative and secretory phases were only found in women who had SVDs only (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Leukocyte recruitment to the endometrium during the secretory phase may be affected by the presence of a CS.
Early Pregnancy and Gynaecology Assessment Unit, King's College Hospital, London, UK. jbennagi@gmail.com
Jara
J
Ben-Nagi
Amy
A
Walker
Davor
D
Jurkovic
Joseph
J
Yazbek
John D
JD
Aplin
D000328:Adult; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy