Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Rising Rates of Caesarean Delivery at Mansoura University Hospital: A Reason for Concern

Adel Saad Helal, El Said Abdel-Hady, Ehsan Refaie, Osama Warda, Hosam Goda and Lotfy Sherief Sherief

Objectives: To study the rates and indications of Caesarean delivery at Mansoura University Hospital in Egypt.

Patients and methods: This retrospective study collected data on caesarean delivery rates and indications from the medical records of 34598 women admitted to both emergency and high risk obstetric units over a 5-year period (January 2006-December 2010).

Results: The overall rate of caesarean delivery was 47.25%. Rates at the high risk and the emergency units were 79.33% and 29.15% respectively. The annual rate of caesarean delivery increased significantly (p<0.01) from 42.65% in 2006 to 55.33 % in 2010, mainly due to an increase in the rate of caesarean at the emergency unit. The most common causes were repeat caesarean (35.78%), medical disorders complicating pregnancy (14.25%), failure to progress in labor (10.37%) and malpresentations (9.9%). Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) was attempted in 2078 women and was successful in 22.23%.

Conclusion: The overall rate of caesarean delivery at Mansoura University hospital was 47.25%. This high rate was mainly attributed to previous caesarean delivery, low rate of successful VBAC and the very low rate of attempted instrumental delivery.