Prevalence, risk factors and management of uterine rupture: a five-year review at a tertiary hospital in South-West Nigeria

Background: Uterine rupture is a catastrophic event which poses severe risks to both the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of uterine rupture, the risk factors, and evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes at Federal Medical Centre Owo. Methods: A 5-year retrospective cross-sectional study of cases of uterine rupture that were managed at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo from 1st January, 2019 to 31st December, 2023. The case notes of patients were retrieved from the medical record department. The relevant data were collated using a structured questionnaire and transferred to a data sheet and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27. Results: The prevalence of uterine rupture in this study was 0.69% or 1 in 144 deliveries. The mean age of women was 28.7 years (SD=3.3). Unbooked patients (92.6%) accounted for most of the cases of uterine rupture. Previous cesarean section scar (66.7%) and prolonged obstructed labour (37.0%) were the common associated risk factors. Nine (33.3%) of women required hysterectomy, while 66.7% had repair with or without bilateral tubal ligation. Maternal death was 11.1%, while perinatal mortality was 70.4%. Conclusions: The high maternal and perinatal mortality due to uterine rupture requires attention and the need to reduce the risk factors.