Publication:

The maternal and fetal outcome of repeat previous one caesarean section

Background The rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes have increased significantly in the last decade. Patients with repeated caesarean deliveries also have a greater risk of placenta previa, placenta accrete, uterine rupture, bowel and bladder injury, and unplanned hysterectomy.

Methods This retrospective study was performed between 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2021, at a private hospital to know about the surgical difficulties and maternal and neonatal complications encountered in cases of repeated LSCS. The outcome of 1028 women admitted with a history of previous LSCS was studied.

Results The 613 patients were given a trial of labour. 40.07% of patients delivered normally. The most common indication for repeat LSCS was CPD in 20.94% and fetal distress 20.12%. The most common complication observed was adhesion in 37.65%. Scar dehiscence in 8.92 %, scar rupture in 0.64%, uterine atony in 4.8%, placenta previa in 3.57%, placenta accrete in 0.64%, injury to the bladder was seen in 0.97%, caesarean hysterectomy was done in only 2 cases and gaped wound was found in 1.13% of cases. 19.15% of neonates were admitted to NICU. Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes in 14.77%. premature neonates were 8.44% RDS was found in 7.62%, birth asphyxia was found in 2.92% cases and neonatal sepsis was found in 1.13%.

Conclusions The dramatic increase in caesarean section rates over the past three decades has been associated with a corresponding increase in maternal morbidity but there a continuous decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality rates because of advances in neonatal medicine.