ABSTRACT

We aimed to evaluate the annual distribution of indications and the rates of cesarean section in all deliveries between 2005 and 2012.

We investigated retrospectively the hospital records of 4137 patients who had undergone cesarean section at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between 2005 and 2012. The annual distribution of rates and indications of normal birth and cesarean sections, maternal age, gestational week, fetal weight, fetal sex, and the anesthesia method applied to the patient were assessed.

Cesarean section was performed for 32.5% and 40.1% patients in 2005 and 2012, respectively. The main indications were previous uterine surgery (44.5%), fetal distress (18.3%) and cephalopelvic disproportion (33.7%). There was no statistical difference in terms of gravida, parity, anesthesia, and birth weight in either year. However, cesarean rates were significantly increased in the last four years of the study period in comparison with the first four years.

Rates of caesarean section are increasing. To counteract this trend, patients should be informed about the benefits of vaginal delivery and be encouraged to attempt vaginal delivery after cesarean section now that the skills of staff in delivery clinics are improving. Clinicians and patients must be aware of side effects of elective cesarean sections. Pain management during delivery may be considered as a means of reversing the increasing cesarean rates.

Keywords: Cesarean section, vaginal delivery, vaginal delivery after cesarean section, pre-eclampsia, elective cesarean section