Comparison of transabdominal versus transvaginal ultrasound to measure thickness of the lower uterine segment at term.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the accuracy of transvaginal (TVS) versus transabdominal (TAS) ultrasound to assess the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS).


METHODS
Eighty-three pregnant women admitted for an elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. LUS thickness was measured using both TVS and TAS prior to the cesarean. The actual thickness of the LUS was measured using a sterile metal ruler after the neonate had been delivered.


RESULTS
Seventeen women had unscarred uteri (20.1%); 41 had had one previous cesarean (49.4%); and 25 had had two previous cesareans (30.1%). Mean thickness of the LUS measured after delivery was 7.58+/-1.3 mm in unscarred uteri; 5.09+/-1.4 mm for one cesarean; and 3.92+/-1.1 mm for two cesareans (P<0.01). Actual thickness of the LUS showed a significant correlation with TVS among the total (r(s)=0.89); with unscarred uteri (r(s)=0.68); with 1 cesarean (r(s)=0.89); and 2 cesareans (r(s)=0.68), while with TAS the correlations were significant only with the total (r(s)=0.53) and 2 previous cesareans (r(s)=0.63) (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
TVS is a more accurate method of assessing the thickness of the LUS compared with TAS.
Marasinghe
Jeevan Prasanga
JP
University Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, De Soyza Hospital for Women, Colombo, Sri Lanka. jeevanmarasinghe@yahoo.com
Senanayake
Hemantha
H
Randeniya
Cyril
C
Seneviratne
Harshalal Rukka
HR
Arambepola
Carukshi
C
Devlieger
Roland
R
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D017604:Cesarean Section, Repeat / Q000009:adverse effects; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*