Late second stage rupture of the uterus and bladder with vaginal birth after cesarean section: A case report and review of the literature†

Rupture of a uterine scar during labor with concomitant severe injury to the maternal bladder has been reported sporadically. Previously reported cases have been diagnosed under a variety of conditions, commonly at the time of repeat Cesarean delivery. A case of maternal bladder rupture diagnosed following forceps-assisted vaginal delivery after Cesarean is presented. Severe bradycardia developed suddenly in the second stage of labor. Rupture of the uterine scar was diagnosed after sudden onset of severe lower abdominal pain with delivery of the placenta. At laparotomy, extensive injury to the bladder was found and successful repair of both injuries was performed. A review of previously reported similar cases with their mechanism of injury and presentation is presented. Serious maternal bladder injury at the time of uterine rupture remains a risk of attempted vaginal delivery after prior Cesarean section. J. Matern.-Fetal Med. 2000;9:362–365. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.