Elective versus emergency cesarean sections: Mother and fetal outcome

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of mothers and newborns in emergency cesarean section and elective cesarean section. Methods: A prospective cohort study included 120 pregnant women consists of 60 women who performed an emergency cesarean section and 60 women who underwent elective cesarean section. Age, education level, occupation, income, history of comorbidities, history of abortion or miscarriage, antenatal care history, decision-making time until surgery is performed along with other components required, duration of operation, outcome of mother and fetal were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. Data were analyzed regarding fetal outcome and cesarean sections indications. Results: The maternal and fetal outcome between emergency and elective cesarean section were not significantly different regarding on hospital stay, dehiscence, NICU admission, Apgar score and newborn status (dead or alive). Blood transfusion is the main difference significant indication for maternal outcome between emergency and elective procedure (p<0.05). The total duration of procedure <60 or >60 minutes and maternal-fetal outcome not significantly different between two type of procedures. Conclusions: Emergency cesarean section at preterm gestational age with an operating time ≤60 minutes leads to greater transfusion blood requirements compared with elective cesarean section.