[Increasing use of cesarean section, even in developing countries].

Abstract

At Kaziba hospital in rural Zaire, the frequency of deliveries by Caesarean section rose from 6.2% in 1971 to 12% in 1992, and the fraction of repeated sections rose from 17% to 49%. During the same period, the overall maternal mortality decreased from 0.3% to 0.12%, and deaths connected with Caesarean section from 3.2% to 0.7%, but still the risk of dying remained 13 times higher for births by Caesarean section compared with vaginal deliveries. The frequency of vacuum deliveries was halved during the period, and mean birth weight decreased by about 100 g. Perinatal mortality remained at about 2%. Among 760 Caesarean sections performed in the years 1991 and 1992, 93% were emergency cases. Spinal anesthesia was used in 97%, and blood transfusion was given to 4% of the women. The main indications were mechanical (30%), previous Caesarean section (20%), foetal asphyxia (19%), and suspected uterine rupture (10%). Uterine rupture was verified in 37 cases (4.9%), of which 27 were Caesarean scar ruptures. 259 of the operations were performed by a nurse or a dentist. Operations carried out by persons other than physicians were complicated by wound infections at a higher rate (20.8%) than those carried out by experienced doctors (11.2%). In areas with a poorly developed health system, a high rate of Caesarean section represents a hazard to maternal health. The need for knowledge about alternative methods like vaginal extraction, symphyseotomy and active management of labour is underlined.