Fertility and pregnancy outcomes following B-Lynch sutures for post-partum hemorrhage

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term fertility prognosis after B-Lynch sutures for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent B-Lynch sutures in our hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patient data was collected from hospital records. Information regarding subsequent pregnancies and menstrual complications were obtained by posted questionnaires and telephone interviews with patients who avoided hysterectomy.

Results: A total of 28 B-Lynch sutures were performed in 3976 deliveries, all in patients that underwent cesarean section. Twenty-two of the 26 patients who avoided hysterectomy answered our questionnaire or took part in an interview. All patients recovered regular menstruation with no severe complications. Of the 19 patients who wanted another child, 12 patients (63.2%) had 14 subsequent pregnancies in a mean follow-up period of 52.1 months. The results of pregnancies were nine uncomplicated term pregnancies, all delivered by elective cesarean section, two artificial abortions and three miscarriages. A significant difference was observed in the age of patients with subsequent pregnancies and those without pregnancies (30.8 vs 34.6 years, P = 0.04).

Conclusion: B-Lynch sutures for PPH do not appear to jeopardize fecundity. An older age was a risk factor for achieving subsequent pregnancies.

Keywords: B-Lynch sutures; fertility; post-partum hemorrhage.