Caesarean section 1949-64

Indications for caesarean section in a consultant obstetric unit over three decades

In this paper, we aimed to identify changes in the indications for and timing of caesarean section over 20 years. This involved a prospective data collection by clinical record analysis throughout the 12-month periods for 1976, 1986 and 1996. The study was carried out in the maternity unit of a large district teaching hospital. We studied all women delivered by caesarean section. Main outcome measures were rates for different indications for caesarean section for the populations served during each of the 3 years. Analysis of 1819 caesarean sections showed an increasing rate, from 6.7% in 1976 to 14.2% in 1996. The proportion of planned antepartum deliveries remained constant at 54%, with previous caesarean section given as the main indication in 1976 (55%) and 1986 (49%) and maternal request in 1996 (23%). Caesarean section for intrapartum fetal distress doubled over the study period, with little evidence of improved neonatal or long-term outcome. Caesarean section for failed labour induction and failed first- and second-stage progress all increased and for failed assisted delivery increased threefold. Caesarean section with a singleton breech presentation increased from 30% to 88% and for twin pregnancies from 13% to 47%. The rate of caesarean section for women delivered previously by section remained unaltered at 56%. The proportion of pregnancies delivered by caesarean section increased for virtually all indications. Consumer expectation has encouraged a more ready use of section, with maternal choice being the most frequent indication in 1996.

Uterine rupture during trial of labor after previous cesarean section

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence and associations of uterine rupture and dehiscence with an attempted vaginal birth after cesarean section. The charts from 137 patients who had uterine scar separation after a previous cesarean section from 1983 to 1989 were examined. Approximately 9.3% of the 119,395 women who were delivered in that interval had a prior cesarean section. Of those, 68.8% underwent a trial of labor with a 79.2% success rate. The uterine rupture rate in this latter group was 0.8%, while an additional 0.7% had a bloodless dehiscence. Bleeding and pain were unlikely findings with a uterine scar separation (3.4% and 7.6%, respectively). The most common manifestation of a scar separation was a prolonged fetal heart rate deceleration leading to operative intervention (70.3%). We conclude that, although the incidence of uterine rupture was low, the event is most often seen as an acute emergency. Prevention should be directed toward timely diagnosis and prompt management of labor dystocias. Staff and facilities for safe management of a uterine scar separation are a requisite for the conduct of a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section.

True rupture/scar dehiscence in delivery following prior section

Fear of uterine rupture has led to the widespread practice of 'Once a section, always a section'. Between 1972 and 1982, 1498 patients with one or more previous cesarean sections were delivered at University College Hospital, Galway. Trial of labor was undertaken in 844 patients, while the remaining 654 patients underwent repeat elective section because they had two or more prior sections. Eight true ruptures and 22 scar dehiscences were found. Regional analgesia and oxytocin did not significantly affect the rate of true rupture. The mean parity with uterine rupture was five, and it occurred most frequently in the initial trial of labor. There were four perinatal deaths associated with true rupture. Failure to detect the already compromised fetus before labor and delivery, rather than the method of delivery, was responsible for fetal demise in some instances. Five true ruptures were found in the trial of labor group (i.e. a ratio of 1:169), with the loss of three babies. A further baby was stillborn in a mother who ruptured a classical scar before labor. There were no maternal deaths in trial-of-labor patients and one in the elective section group. Two patients with true rupture had their uterus repaired, and were subsequently delivered by section. Another two patients with bloodless dehiscence and no repair, had two subsequent elective repeat sections each, and the unrepaired scar dehiscence was not evident.

Vaginal prostaglandins and labour induction for patients previously delivered by caesarean section

Labour was induced at term with vaginal instillation of prostaglandin E2 in 143 patients who had been delivered by caesarean section in a previous pregnancy. The method was simple, safe and effective with 76% achieving a vaginal delivery, and even when the cervix was very unfavourable at the time of prostaglandin treatment, 68% achieved vaginal delivery. The procedure reduces the need for repeat caesarean section with its potential morbidity, without evidence of undue risk of lower segment scar rupture.

Classical caesarean section in preterm deliveries

A series of 14 classical Caesarean sections is reported, and the place of operation in certain preterm deliveries is discussed.