• A Rukewe, I Orlam, A Akande, and A A Fatiregun.
• Division of Anaesthesiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Namibia; Department of Anaesthesia, Windhoek Central & Katutura State Hospitals, Windhoek, Namibia.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2022 Feb 1; 25 (2): 178-184.

BackgroundThere are concerns that high cesarean section (CS) rates are driven by nonmedical indications and unmitigated maternal hypotension following spinal anesthesia (SA) has materno fetal effects.AimsOur objective was to investigate CS rates using Robson classification, identify patient groups for focused intervention as well as assess the incidence and predictors of maternal hypotension following SA for cesarean delivery.Subjects And MethodsA cross sectional design was employed over 3 months (February-April, 2019). Data about total deliveries (vaginal and operative) were obtained from the hospital medical records. For parturients who had CS, variables which covered maternal characteristics, conduct of anesthesia, and the index pregnancy according to Robson classification system were entered into a proforma designed for the study.ResultsThe total deliveries were 3031, of which 556 were CSs, giving a CS rate of 18.3%. Twenty one nonconsenting parturients were excluded, so 535 responded. Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 combined contributed 75% [401/535] to the overall CS. Two or more previous CS, 29.7% [159/535], was the main indication for performing CS, followed by maternal request 12.9% [69/535]. The incidence of maternal hypotension was 62.6% (293/468); the independent predictors were elective CS and having comorbidities.ConclusionWe found a low CS rate and Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 were the major contributors - previous CS (≥2) and maternal request were the predominant indications for performing CS. The independent predictors of SA induced hypotension were presence of comorbidities and elective CS.

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