Uterine compression sutures for postpartum hemorrhage: an overview

Abstract

In 1997, B-Lynch pioneered the use of uterine compression sutures for postpartum hemorrhage. Since then, some researchers, including ourselves, have devised various uterine compression sutures. High-level evidence has not been demonstrated as to whether compression sutures achieve better and safer hemostasis for postpartum hemorrhage than other methods, and, if they do, whether one suture is more efficient and safer than another. However, generally speaking, uterine compression sutures have achieved hemostasis while preserving fertility in many women and thus their efficacy and safety have been time-tested. Each suture has both merits and drawbacks: obstetricians must be aware of the fundamental characteristics of various sutures. In this review, we summarize the technical procedures, efficacy, safety and complications of various uterine compression sutures. We add our own experiences and opinions where necessary.