Caesarean section at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Caesarean section remains the most common major operation performed on women worldwide and the rate is increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) consider caesarean section rate of 5-15% to be optimum.

Objective: To determine the rate of caesarean section, major indications, pregnancy out-come and the complications.

Subjects and Methods: This is a prospective study of all the cases of caesarean sections performed between 1st of January, 2012 and 31th of December, 2013 at UDUTH, Sokoto-Nigeria. The data were collated and analyzed using statistical soft package ware for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: A total of 4,115 deliveries were recorded during the study period and 435 of them (10.6%) were through caesarean section (CS). Emergency CS accounted for 65.1% of caesarean deliveries. The mean age was 28±6 years. Previous CS was the commonest indication for caesarean section (25.7%). Elective CS had better fetal outcome (t = 7.440, df =388.523, p< 0.001), while spinal anaesthesia was associated with less blood loss (t = 4.569, df=63.223 and p< 0.001)and better fetal outcome (t = 4.237, df = 57.224, p < 0.001). Anaemia (19.8%) was the commonest complications encountered in the post operative period.

Conclusion: The CS rate from this study is within the WHO recommended rate. Previous CS was the commonest indication, the outcome was better among women that had elective CS under regional anaesthesia.

Keywords: Caesarean section, CS rate, indication and outcome