Vaginal birth after cesarean section in rural Zaire. Changing concepts
Nyirjesy, P.; Nyirjesy, K.M.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 37(5): 457-460
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 1507194 Document Number: 318307
The safety of trials of labor after cesarean section has yet to be established in developing countries. Centre Médical Evangélique is a referral hospital in rural northeastern Zaire. From August 1, 1989, to January 15, 1990, 33 women with previous cesarean deliveries were offered a trial of labor. Of them, 22 (67%) had successful vaginal deliveries. The indications for the previous cesarean section did not influence the outcome of the trial of labor. There was a high rate of immediate maternal morbidity but no significant long-term morbidity. The rate of uterine dehiscence was 9.1%. The perinatal death rate, 60.1/1,000, was similar to the overall rate for the institution. Trials of labor after cesarean section are a valid therapeutic option in developing countries.