International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics : the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Apr 1986
Comparative StudyIn-hospital maternal mortality risk by cesarean and vaginal deliveries in two less developed countries--a descriptive study.
Cesarean deliveries are increasing in both developed countries and less developed countries (LDCs). Recent studies in the U. S. have revealed a significantly higher mortality risk for women who delivered abdominally than for those who delivered vaginally, even when the effect of the conditions which necessitated cesarean delivery was taken into account. ⋯ For women with cesarean delivery, the total MMR was 36.2 and the MMR attributable to cesarean section was estimated to be 12.8; both rates were per 1000 procedures. The leading cause of death was eclampsia for the vaginal deliveries and sepsis for the cesarean deliveries. The risk of maternal mortality inherent with the cesarean section procedure per se (not counting the risk associated with the labor and delivery complications that necessitated cesarean section) as well as the practical avoidability of maternal deaths for either mode of delivery in these LDC hospitals are discussed.