Rupture of the gravid uterus and its management

Summary

Sixty-eight cases of rupture of the gravid uterus occurring between January 1966 and December 1987 at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin are reviewed, highlighting the differences in presentation, treatment and fetal outcome in those classified as complete and those that were incomplete. Simple repair without tubal ligation was performed in 35 cases. Despite a commonly held view that hysterectomy is the treatment of choice when rupture is diagnosed careful consideration should be given to performing a simple repair. Successful outcome of subsequent pregnancies may be anticipated if appropriately managed.