Aim: To avoid complications associated with uterine compression sutures, we devised a ring compression suture (RCS).
Methods: The RCS was performed on 12 patients with post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean section. The suture was inserted 0.5 cm below the attachment point of the uterosacral ligament into the uterine cavity and pushed downward through the cervical canal into the vagina. The other end of the stitch was threaded through the lower abdominal wall, from the inside of the abdomen cavity to the outside of the abdominal wall, emerging at the external surface of the lower abdomen 2 cm lateral to the ventral median line and 1 cm above the symphysis pubis. Then, the two ends of the suture (the end in the vagina had been pulled out in advance) were tied tightly on the pudendum. The same stitch was repeated on the contralateral side. After 48 h postoperatively, the suture was removed through the vagina under sterilization.
Results: All 12 women with PPH who underwent RCS achieved hemostasis, and complications related to RCS were not seen. Two of them had successful pregnancies postoperatively. The remaining women had no desire for a further pregnancy.
Conclusion: The procedure can be used as an alternative to peripartum hysterectomy and also as a prophylactic application in PPH.
Keywords: post-partum hemorrhage; prophylactic application; ring compression suture; uterine compression suture.
© 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.