Rate, indications and fetal outcome of emergency caesarean section- A retrospective study at Ndola teaching hospital, Ndola, Zambia

Abstract

Background:A caesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and the uterus. In most of the circumstances, a C-section is planned in advance. However, in others, it's done in response to unforeseen circumstances. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate, indications and fetal outcome of
Emergency C-Section at Ndola Teaching Hospital.Methods:A retrospective study was undertaken at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia for January to December 2016. Data was extracted from maternity in-patient case files, delivery books and theatre register records. Altogether, 262 clients were randomly selected and this data was collected in April and May 2017. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v20. Statistical associations were
established using the Chi-square test and results yielding p< 0.05 were considered to be of statistical significance.Results:The Emergency C-Section rate was 79(30.2%) from 262 study sample. The indications for Emergency C-Section were fetal distress (20.6%), maternal distress (5%) and cord prolapse (4.6%). Emergency CSection had a poor fetal outcome of 11.4% while Elective C-Section had a poor fetal outcome of 9.8% (p= 0.704). None of the characteristics were significantly associated with Caesarean Section (p >0.05).Conclusion:Fetal distress was the most common indication for Emergency C-Section and it recorded a high fetal complications. Early recognition through good intra-partum monitoring and early referral of mothers who are likely to undergo cesarean section may reduce the incidence of poor fetal outcome in emergency cesarean sections and thus decrease its
complications.