CAN WE REDUCE RISING RATE OF CESAREAN SECTION IN A PRIVATE SECTOR HOSPITAL

Introduction: A global trend of rising Cesarean section (C-section) rates has been noted during the last two decades. The present study records the 5-years C-Section rate in Rehman Medical Institute (RMI). Additional objectives were to investigate the causes of high rates of both primary and repeat C-section in RMI, to reevaluate and readdress various indications of C-section and to propose ways of reducing this rising C-section rate in RMI. Materials & Methods: A five years (2011 to 2015) retrospective review was conducted in Jan-Mar 2016, using a computer based data coding system, as well as review of the maternal case sheets, discharge slips and statistics registers. Year-wise and average C-section rates were calculated from these records and compared with local, national and international C-section rates. Results: A total of 2581 C-sections were performed during last 5 years including both primary C-sections and repeat C-sections for various indications, giving an average of over 500 C-sections per year with an average rate of 50.05% of total deliveries during the five-year period. Key Words: Cesarean Section; Cesarean Section, Repeat; Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC); Trial of Labor (TOL); Labor, Obstetric.