How to Avoid Primary Caesarean Section? A Five-Year Experience Report from a Level 2 Facility in Dakar Senegal

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse key factors and main indications of primary caesarean sections and find out ways to reduce the rising rates. Patients and method: This was a longitudinal and retrospective study carried out from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. The study included all patients in whom a primary CS was performed. A previous uterine scar was a non-inclusion criterion. We analysed the main indications and their trends during these five years, Apgar score at the 5th minute according to the course of caesarean section rate and the impact of daily audit. Data were collected retrospectively from 2012 to 2015, then prospectively in 2016 using a Filemaker database. Data were analysed with SPSS 21 software, Mac version. Averages were calculated for quantitative data and percentage for qualitative ones. The statistical tests used were the Pearson Chi2 test. The differences observed were considered significant when the p value was less than 0.05. Results: During the study period, we registered 21.308 deliveries and 6.292 caesarean sections (29.5%). Primary CS concerned 72.5% of overall CS. The main indications were suspicious of fetal distress (29.1%), obstructed or prolonged labour (21.7%), breech and twin delivery with respectively 8.2% and 5.2%. We registered more vaginal deliveries with induction of labour: 81.4% versus 75.2%. An obstetrical audit allowed better management of labour and decrease of CS rate. Conclusion: We need to focus on diagnosis of fetal distress, management of breech presentation in twin delivery and singleton. The induction of labour can be an effective alternative in some indications. An obstetrical audit is necessary to reverse caesarean section rate.