The B-lynch and other uterine compression suture techniques

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains among the 5 main causes of maternal death in developing and developed countries, and uterine atony is the most common cause (75-90%) of primary PPH. Uterine compression sutures running through the full thickness of both uterine watts (posterior as well as anterior) have recently been described for surgical management of atonic PPH. Christopher B-Lynch was the first to highlight this revolutionary principle, and other uterine compression suture techniques have since been described by Hayman and Cho. Objectives: Step-by-step description of the B-Lynch brace suture and discussion of the current compression suture techniques. Conclusions: The different uterine suture techniques have proved to be valuable and safe alternatives to hysterectomy in the control of massive PPH, and the present review can make the surgeon better aware of their effective use and the risks they may entail. (c) 2005 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.