Mortality and fatality in cesarean section

Abstract

55 deaths following a Caesarean section occurred in Austria during 1975-1982 (41,7% of all maternal deaths). 45 deaths (82%) were directly related to the Caesarean section, in 9 cases (16%) a severe underlying disease was found which had contributed to the fatal outcome (indirect deaths). In one case the diagnosis could not be clarified. Among the direct deaths the indication for the Caesarean section was in 12 cases (27%) severe bleeding, in 12 cases gestosis, in 12 cases predominantly foetal causes, in 6 cases previous Caesarean section and in 3 cases poor obstetric history. Complications were in 18 cases (40%) severe bleeding, in 7 cases (16%) pulmonary embolism, in 4 cases complications as a consequence of anaesthesia and in 4 cases abdominal infections. In 14 cases (31%) post Caesarean hysterectomy was performed. The mortality of Caesarean section during 1975 to 1982 was 6.3/100.000 live births, whereas case fatality was 0.1%.