Outcomes of Laparoscopic Treatment in Women with Cesarean Scar Syndrome

Med Sci Monit. 2017 Aug 22:23:4061-4066. doi: 10.12659/msm.902720.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic treatment of women with severe defect of a Cesarean section (CS) scar and Cesarean scar syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 11 women who were treated for Cesarean scar syndrome. Ultrasound examinations were performed transvaginally 1 day before surgery and 6 months after laparoscopy in all women. Clinical data were registered 1 day before laparoscopy and 6 months after laparoscopy. RESULTS Of these 11 women, total dehiscence of the CS scar was present in 72.7% (8/11) of the women. Before laparoscopy, all 11 women had severe defect of the CS scar (DRC ≤0.25); however, 6 months after laparoscopy, 81.8% (9/11) of women still had severe defect of the CS scar. Mean thickness of the CS scar, measured 1 day before and 6 months after laparoscopy in all 11 women, was 0.3±0.4 mm and 1.3±1.0 mm, respectively. Accordingly, no significant differences were observed in the mean CS scar thickness (p=0.101). After laparoscopy, 63.6% (7/11) of women were fully asymptomatic, and among the remaining 4, the most common complications were dyspareunia in 36.4% (4/11, p=0.005), pelvic pain in 27.3% (3/11, p=0.014), and dysmenorrhea in 18.2% (2/11, p=0.01), and best results after laparoscopy were achieved for postmenstrual spotting in 18.2% (2/11, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Improvement of women's health after laparoscopy does not necessarily mean improvement of CS scar sonomorphology. Surgery should be offered only to women with symptoms of the Cesarean scar syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Cicatrix / diagnostic imaging
  • Cicatrix / pathology*
  • Cicatrix / surgery*
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects
  • Laparoscopy / methods
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Pelvic Pain / complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography