Cesarean scar defect: a review on manifestations, epidemiography characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract: The study aimed to review studies on cesarean scar defect incidence and its associated factors, diagnostic criteria, and treatments. The study reviewed 44 articles from PubMed in August 2022. Results showed that transvaginal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced hysterosalpingogram were the two most 17 common methods, often used together for diagnosing. The rate of cesarean scar defects ranged from 19% to 84%, depending on the diagnostic method. Common symptoms were irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding after menstruation, lower abdominal or lower abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, and infertility. Factors associated with cesarean section scar defects included individual factors (parity, number of cesarean deliveries, history of diabetes, uterus recline, maternal body mass index) and medical service factors (stitching technique at cesarean section, prolonged labor period). Treatment included both medical and surgical, but should only be done when there were symptoms affecting the mother's health. Given the high rate of C-section in Vietnam and very few studies on cesarean scar defects, it is necessary to conduct research on this topic in the future. Keywords: cesarean section scar defect, cesarean section, infertility, lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding between two menstrual cycles.