Cesarean section rates and indications of Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Department of Obstetrics and Gynocology during 1986 and 1995

Abstract

Background.- Cesarean section (C/S) rates, indi¬cations and increases in C/S rates in our clinic are evaluated. The effects of cesarean delivery on the mother and the newborn is discussed. Design.- Annual cesarean section and vaginal deliveries in our clinic between 1986 and 1995 are obtained from delivery ward documents. Annual cesarean rates and percentage increase of the cesare¬an deliveries are calculated. Additionally, the indica¬tions and their trend between 1990 to 1995 are eval¬uated. Results.- Cesarean section rate of our clinic between 1986 and 1995 was 20.9%. This rate increased from 14.2% in 1986 to 33% in 1995. The annual increase in C/S rate was 1.4 and 2.6 between the time periods 1986 to 1990 and 1991 to 1995, respectively. Cesarean section for previous cesarean was found to be the most common indication (6.77 for 100 deliveries). "Elective" indication rised rapidly during the study period. Conclusion.- Cesarean section rates in developed countries have been declined and approached stabil¬ity. However, they show a rapid rise in our clinic. Elective indication is an important contributor to this increase. Current cesarean rates can be substantially reduced to a reasonable level without sacrificing fetal and newborn safety by a wide auto-control system of the indications.