Effect of cesarean delivery on the endometrium

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009 Jul;106(1):30-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.02.019. Epub 2009 Apr 7.

Abstract

Objective: To compare endometrial tissue samples from cesarean scar (CS) sites and from the posterior uterine wall to better understand the pathophysiology of implantation into a CS.

Methods: Endometrial samples were taken from both a CS site and the posterior wall in premenopausal women with CSs, and from the posterior wall in premenopausal women who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVDs) only.

Results: In the secretory phase, there were significantly fewer leukocytes at CS sites than in the endometrium of women who had SVDs only (P<0.05). Significant differences in leukocytic infiltration and cell proliferation between the proliferative and secretory phases were only found in women who had SVDs only (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Leukocyte recruitment to the endometrium during the secretory phase may be affected by the presence of a CS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Cicatrix / etiology*
  • Embryo Implantation
  • Endometrium / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Follicular Phase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*
  • Luteal Phase / metabolism
  • Pregnancy