Cesarean section: trends and morbidity.

A review of 1683 cesarean sections performed at one hospital in a 3-year period (1977-79) showed that the cesarean section rate had trebled since 1967-79, the rates being 16.9% and 5.8%. The main indications for cesarean section responsible for this rise were dystocia, breech presentation and a previous cesarean section. AFter the operation 23.3% of received antibiotics. If the cesarean section rate is to fall, the biggest impact can be made by planning vaginal delivery in selected patients with a previous cesarean section and by improving the management of nonprogressive labour.