Maternal mortality with cesarean delivery: a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery.


METHODS
We reviewed the recent literature (years in analysis: 1975-2001) identified in a literature search and included data from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.


RESULTS
There were no publications with an ideal trial design and adequate power to establish the relationship between maternal mortality and method of delivery. Three studies, including the one randomized control trial included in analysis, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists data suggest no significant difference in maternal mortality with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
The strongest publications suggest there may not be an increased risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery; however, there are inadequate data to accurately demonstrate the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery.
Vadnais
Mary
M
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. mvadnais@bidmc.harvard.edu
Sachs
Benjamin
B
D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012306:Risk