Laparoscopic repair of uterine rupture after delivery: A comprehensive evaluation of the uterine rupture management, with a proposal surgical method

Abstract

Uterine rupture constitutes a critical obstetric emergency that presents substantial risks to both the maternal and fetal populations. This investigation evaluated the surgical interventions available for uterine rupture, emphasizing laparoscopic repair subsequent to uterine rupture. Laparoscopic repair serves as a fertility-sustaining alternative to conventional laparotomy, demonstrating comparable operative durations of 80 min (interquartile range [IQR] 60–114) for laparoscopic procedures versus 78 min (IQR 58–114) for laparotomy interventions. Nevertheless, laparoscopic approaches confer significant advantages, including a reduced incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (14.2% vs. 40% for laparotomy), a diminished requirement for blood transfusions (14.2% vs. 60%), and abbreviated hospital stays (median of 3 days vs. 5 days for laparotomy). The investigation explored the contentious discourse surrounding single-layer versus double-layer suturing methodologies, noting that barbed sutures significantly decrease uterine closure times (224 ± 46 vs. 343 ± 75 s for traditional sutures). Single-layer suturing is advocated as sufficient for maintaining uterine integrity in suitably selected cases. The necessity of meticulous postoperative monitoring, particularly concerning the assessment of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, is emphasized, with recurrence rates varying from 4.8% to 19.4%. Finally, authors also proposed a feasible laparoscopic technique to repair a uterine rupture (the “CHEESE” method [closure of hemodynamically stable, early uterine rupture, via endoscopic surgery after spontaneous delivery]), appropriate for hemodynamically stable patients with minor ruptures. This review underscores the progressive role of minimally invasive techniques in the management of uterine rupture and seeks to optimize clinical outcomes for both maternal and neonatal health. © 2025 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.