Prevalence of Cesarean Section Scar Endometriosis:Ten-Year Experience of a Tertiary Center andRetrospective Evaluation of 40 Cases

Abstract

Objective: Cesarean scar endometriosis (CSE) is the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue at the site of the previouscesarean section (CS) scar. The prevalence varies between 0.04 and 0.53. We aimed to evaluate the women with CSE inthe past 10 years in Niğde. Materials and Methods: The medical records of Ömer Halisdemir University Training and Research Hospital andthe single private hospital were retrospectively analyzed through electronic databases between January 2010 andJanuary 2020. Pathological reports with the diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis were distinguished. The onesexcised from a CS scar were included into the study. For each patient clinical, obstetric and surgical characteristicswere recorded. Results: Forty women were included into the study with an average age of 31.6±5.9 years. The diameter of the CSElesion was positively correlated in medium strength with body mass index (BMI) at the time of CS (r=0.448, p=0.019).Similarly, the diameter of the lesion and weight gain during pregnancy was correlated in medium strength (r=0.423,p=0.014). The onset of symptoms was correlated in medium strength with lactation period (r=0.539, p=0.001). The rateof correct initial diagnosis was significantly higher in years 2015–2019 than in years 2010–2014 (p=0.004). The CSEprevalence was 0.15 in the present study. Conclusion: High BMI values at the time of CS and weight gain during pregnancy might be contributors of CSE devel opment. Furthermore, lactation might have protective effects against CSE.