Cesarean section in Cincinnati, Ohio, 1950-1959

Abstract

Summary 1. All of the cesarean sections- 6,265-performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 10 year period 1950-1959 are reviewed. 2. Twenty-three mothers died within one year of cesarean section. No mortality rate on this or any other basis is calcula ted. 3. The gross perinatal loss rate was 7.6 per cent. 4. The results of cesarean section in transverse lie are reported and compared with the results in similar cases of vaginal delivery in Buffalo. 5. The results in cesarean section for premature separation of the placenta are presented and are compared with those in similar cases of patients delivered vaginaity in Atlanta. 6. The fetal and maternal results in diabetes, prolapse of the cord, repeat sections, elective sections, and sections at the extremes of reproductive life are given. 7. Perinatal mortality figures in elective and emergency repeat sections are compared. Elective repeat section appears to have the lesser perinatal loss rate. 8. The hazard of neonatal death of a normal term-sized baby delivered by elective section proved to be 0.24 per c nt in our community. 9. A downward trend is noted in sterilization. 10. A plea is entered for the establishment of an acceptable classification category for cases with a multiplicity of borderline indications for sec tion. 11. Serious complications were rare. The majority are discussed. 12. Brief consideration is given to morbidity and the use of antibiotics. Morbidity among Negro women was found to be higher than among white patients. The significance of morbidity is questioned. 13. Incidental appendectomy in 193 cases is discussed. 14. A possible increase in bleeding complications of late pregnancy in patients with section scars was noted. 15. It is concluded that cesarean section is the best method of delivery in the majority of cases where there is real or potential threat to the life or health of either mother or baby, or both.