Midline versus transverse incision for cesarean delivery in low-income countries.
While transverse incision is the recommended entry technique for cesarean delivery in high-income countries, it is our experience that midline incision is still used routinely in many low-income settings. Accordingly, international guidelines lack uniformity on this matter. Although evidence is limited, the literature suggests important advantages of the transverse incision, with lower risk of long-term disabilities such as wound disruption and hernia. Also, potential extra time spent on this incision appears not to impact neonatal outcome. Therefore, we suggest that it is time for a change in guidelines for low-income settings in which resources are limited for treating complications that may be life threatening.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Nanna
N
Maaløe
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Copenhagen, Holbæk Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark. Electronic address: anae@regionsjaelland.dk.
Anna J M
AJ
Aabakke
Research Unit Women's and Children's Health, Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Niels J
NJ
Secher
D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007391:International Cooperation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
Adverse effects; Cesarean delivery; Delivery; Methods; Midline; Obstetric; Transverse; Women