Caesarean section in a semi-rural hospital in Northern Namibia.
BACKGROUND
Increasing caesarean sections rates (CSR) are a major public health concern and the prevention of the first caesarean section, which often leads to repeat operations, is an important issue. Analyzing caesarean sections can help to identify factors associated with variations in CSR and help to assess the quality of clinical care.


METHODS
In a retrospective observational study, during a two year period, indications of 576 caesarean sections were analyzed using intra-operative internal pelvimetry and a record keeping system in a semi-rural hospital in Northern Namibia.


RESULTS
Most caesarean sections were done for dystocia (34%) followed by repeat caesarean section (31%). The true conjugate (distance between the promontorium to mid pubic bone) was significantly smaller in these recurrent indication groups when compared to non recurrent indications.


CONCLUSIONS
In this rural hospital the introduction of Delee Pelvimetry and a caesarean section record keeping system was found to be a simple and cheap method to analyse indications for caesarean sections, which may help in reducing unnecessary caesarean sections.
van Dillen
Jeroen
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. gwamupanda@caiway.nl
Meguid
Tarek
T
Petrova
Vera
V
van Roosmalen
Jos
J