OUTCOME IN ELECTIVE AND EMERGENCY CESAREAN-SECTIONS - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY

To study the obstetric outcome of cesarean sections (CS) in relation t o the elective or emergency nature of this procedure, a comparative st udy was conducted on 1426 females whose deliveries were by CS in King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH). Of the various factors analyzed in relation to the two types of CS, statistically significant association s were found between emergency CS and younger patients, low parity, ir regular attendance at antenatal clinics, complications in labor, posto perative morbidity and low Ap,oar score (<6). It was concluded that ev ery effort should be directed to effect-planned CS, as determined duri ng the antenatal period, if possible, so as to reduce the various prob lems associated with emergency CS. The chances are that this approach is unlikely to influence the overall CS rate in either way.