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 walls (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.