A 10-year review of uterine rupture and its outcome in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

Objective: Uterine rupture is one of the major obstetric complications of labour which contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal mortality in the low resource and developing countries This study determined the incidence, predisposing factors and feto-maternal outcome of ruptured uterus. Methods: A 10-year retrospective study of all cases of uterine ruptures that were managed in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria between 1st January, 2005 and 31st December, 2014 was undertaken. Data collected from maternity records were transferred to a data sheet. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical software, version 15.0. Results: Out of 15,818 deliveries over the study period, 92 had uterine rupture, giving a prevalence of 0.58% or 1 in 172 deliveries. The majority of the patients 56, (60.8%) were Para 1 and 2. Majority (77.2%) were unbooked. Of the 92 patients with uterine rupture, 73 (85.9%) had emergency caesarean section. Fourteen patients had prolonged labour: 2 were primigravidas and 12 were multigravidas. Case fatality rate was 2.2% while the perinatal mortality rate was 61.9%. Conclusion: Uterine rupture constituted a major obstetric emergency in the study hospital and its environs. An "unbooked" status was a key associated factor. The incidence and perinatal mortalities were high. There is therefore a need for education of women on health-related issues, utilization of available health facilities, adequate supervision of labour and provision of facilities for emergency obstetric care.