Laparoscopic repair of post-cesarean section uterine scar defects diagnosed in nonpregnant women

Abstract

Herein we describe laparoscopic repair of uterine scar defects after cesarean section and pregnancy outcomes in a series of 13 patients. Defects and the residual anterior uterine wall were evaluated using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients' clinical symptoms were recorded. Pregnancy outcomes were investigated after laparoscopic surgical repair. Intervention included laparoscopic repair of the defect, including excision of fibrotic tissue and laparoscopic closure of the anterior uterine wall. The defect was completely corrected using this technique in all 13 patients. Four patients became pregnant spontaneously, 3 delivered via cesarean section between 38 and 39 weeks, and 1 is currently pregnant. Evaluation of uterine scar defects after cesarean section can be performed using ultrasound and MRI, and the defect can be repaired via laparoscopy, with reproducible postoperative anatomic and functional outcomes.