The rate and indications of caesarean section in a tertiary care hospital at Jaipur, India

Background: Caesarean section is one of the most widely performed surgical procedures in obstetrics worldwide. It was mainly evolved as a lifesaving procedure for mother and foetus during the difficult delivery. To analyze the rate and indications for C-Section and associated maternal morbidity and mortality were the main objectives of present study. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted over a period of one year from 1 st Jan 2016 to 31 st Dec 2016 at the Department of OBG, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur (Rajasthan), North India. Data of patients who delivered by C-Section in our hospital during the defined study period was recorded and a statistical analysis of various parameters namely, the caesarean section rates, its indications, the patient’s morbidity and mortality was done. Results: The total numbers of women delivered over the study period were 2959, out of which C-Sections were 931. The overall CS rate was 31.46%. Previous LSCS was the leading indication to the CS rate (36.52%) followed by arrest of labour (13.65%), CPD (12.03%), foetal distress (11.82%), breech presentation (7.52%), oligohydroamnios/IUGR (5.16%) and failed induction of labour (3.54%). 11.60% patients had various complications mainly infection (5.58%) and haemorrhage (3.98%). There was no mortality during this period. Conclusions: Being a tertiary care hospital, a high rate of Caesarean deliveries was observed. Individualization of the indication and careful evaluation, following standardized guidelines, practice of evidenced-based obstetrics and audits in the institution, can help us limit CSR.