Maternal mortality following cesarean sections
Sikdar, K.; Kundu, S.; Mandal, G.S.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of India 29(4): 815-823
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0971-9202 Document Number: 442967
Causes of 26 maternal deaths following lower uterine segment cesarean section [L.S.C.S.] operations were analyzed. The factors leading to such fatalities were scrutinized. The avoidable factors are discussed. In 22 cases (84.9%) of this series inadequate health education and consciousness along with failure to attend antenatal clinics were at least partly responsible. Proper antenatal and health care might have prevented anemia, pre-eclampsia and some other complications. Admission in properly equipped hospitals in deserving cases, careful intranatal supervision and earlier cesarean section operation could have prevented deaths at least in some of the 15 cases where L.S.C.S. was performed rather late. Prevention of infection and avoidance of improper interferences in 8 cases (30.8%) could have saved a few lives. Prevention of unexplained shock, correction of fluid and electrolyte balance (pre- and postoperative) and adequate blood transfusion might have some role to play in preventing deaths in 4 cases (15.3%). Coagulation failure, diagnosis of exact pathogenesis and adequate treatment could possibly have had some influence on preventing death in 3 such cases (11.5%). The role of anesthesia in causing or enhancing death in 2 cases (7.7%) and of blood transfusion reaction in another 2 cases (7.7%) cannot be ruled out.