Cesarean section: Where are we are now? A comparative study between 1997-1998 and 2015-2016 at a tertiary teaching hospital in a developing country

Abstract

Cesarean section: Where are we are now? A comparative study between 1997-1998 and 2015-2016 at a tertiary teaching hospital in a developing country A. Basha1, Z. Falayleh1, R. Jabra1, S. Attili1, Y. Obeidat2, L. El-Khatib2, A. Ala’eddien Obeidat3 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman 2Faculty of medicine, The Hashemite University of Jordan, Amman 3Modern Montessori School, Amman (Jordan) Summary Purpose: The continued rise in caesarean section deliveries (CS) raises a major public health concern worldwide; our aim is to evaluate trends and determinants this increase, comparing indications between 1997 and 1998 (group A) and 2015 and 2016 (group B). Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted at Jordan University Hospital analyzing all indications of CSs. Each delivery was assigned to the primary indication noted for that pregnancy. Results: The CS rate gradually rose from 22% in group A to 62%, and to 65% in group B. The leading indications for the increase rate of CS across the years were previous ≥ 2 CS, followed by decreasing rate of trial of previous uterine scar, non-reassuring fetal heart pattern, breech presentation, twin pregnancies, obstructed labor, and placenta previa. Conclusion: CS rates increased over the last 20 years. The appropriate way is to deal with this trend, is to reduce the primary section. Key words: Cesarean section; Developing country; Pregnancy.