B-Lynch suture

The B-Lynch suture or B-Lynch procedure is a form of compression suture used in obstetrics. It is used to mechanically compress an atonic uterus in the face of severe postpartum hemorrhage. It was developed by Christopher B-Lynch, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecological surgeon based at Milton Keynes General Hospital, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England.^[1] B-Lynch was born in 1947 in Sierra Leone with the birth name of Christopher Balogun-Lynch.^[2]

A diagramatic representation of the B-Lynch Brace suture

The technique was first described in 1997.^[3][4] It can stop postpartum hemorrhage without the need for pelvic surgery and potentially preserving fertility.^[5] It is regarded as "the best form of surgical approach for controlling atonic PPH as it helps in preserving the anatomical integrity of the uterus."^[6]

Absorbable suture can be left in situ, and would typically not lead to problems with future pregnancies.^[7]

References

1. El-Hamamy E, B-Lynch C (2009). "A worldwide review of the uses of the uterine compression suture techniques as alternative to hysterectomy in the management of severe post-partum haemorrhage". Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 25 (2): 143–149. doi:10.1080/01443610500040752. ISSN 0144-3615. PMID 15814393. S2CID 43454496.
2. "Professor Christopher B-Lynch: A worthy son of Sierra Leone; an inspiration to us". Awareness Times. November 2, 2006. Archived from the original on 2012-07-30. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
3. B-Lynch, C; et al. (March 1997). "The B-Lynch surgical technique for the control of massive postpartum haemorrhage: an alternative to hysterectomy? Five cases reported". British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 104 (3): 372–375. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1997.tb11471.x. PMID 9091019. S2CID 9995113.
4. Gibbs, Ronald S.; et al. (2008). Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology (10 ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. p. 455. ISBN 978-0-7817-6937-2.
5. Studd, John; et al. (2006). Progress in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Vol. 17. Elsevier Science Limited. p. 269. ISBN 978-0-443-10313-1.
6. Saxena, Richa (2011). Tips and Tricks in Operative Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jaypee Brothers Medical Pub. p. 243. ISBN 978-9350252383.
7. Grotegut, C; et al. (Oct 2004). "Erosion of a B-Lynch suture through the uterine wall: a case report". J Reprod Med. 49 (10): 849–52. PMID 15568411.