Expectant management of an asymptomatic complete uterine rupture presenting as a herniated amniotic sac

Abstract

When there is a defect in the uterine wall, it serves as a weakness through which the fetal membrane may herniate into abdominal cavity during pregnancy. This may manifest as either a silent (partial) or complete uterine rupture. Any silent (partial) uterine rupture has a potential of becoming complete. When a uterine rupture becomes complete, it may lead to acute life-threatening complications to both the mother and her fetus. As of today, there seems to be no consensus as to whether to manage silent or complete uterine rupture expectantly or surgically, including repair of the uterine wall or termination of the pregnancy, especially when this happens in the early second trimester, especially in Nigeria where the age of viability is still 28 weeks of gestation.

Keywords

• asymptomatic
• complete uterine rupture
• expectant
• herniated amniotic sac