Post operative maternal consequences of Cesarean Section

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze Post-operative complication following Caesarean section and to find out the factors which can reduce maternal morbidity associated with Caesarean section. Study Design: Descriptive observational study conducted from September 2004 - February 2005. (6 month) in department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Result: Total number of Births during this period were 2025 total number of Caesarean section were 597 (29.48%) out of which emergency Caesarean section were 518(86.7%) and elective were 79(13.2%). The Post-operative complication rate was (67.7%). The different complications encountered in post-operative period were anemia 58.86%, febrile morbidity 22.2%, endometritis 13.8%, urinary tract infection 10.6%, respiratory tract infection account for 7.4%, paralytic illeus 1.2%, wound infection 7.9%, postpartum haemorrhage (Primary or Secondary) 4,9%, one patient had strong suspicion of pulmonary embolism, sever headache due to postdural puncture was found in 3 patients. Other Anaesthesia complication and bladder injury incidence was about 0.74%. 2 maternal deaths occurred one due to sever postpartum haemorrhage and 2nd due to pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Anemia and infectious morbidity was most common cause of morbidity following Caesarean section: regular antenatal care, good surgical techniques, antibiotic prophylaxis, proper aseptic measures, patient`s education and counseling can all work to reduce postoperative complications.