Trends in obstetric operative procedures, 1980 to 1987

Abstract

Objectives: Increasing rates of cesarean deliveries have received widespread attention in recent years, as concern in the United States about unnecessary surgical procedures has increased. However, little information has been published on the national trends of other operative obstetric procedures occurring during deliveries.

Methods: We analyzed data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey to examine trends in the use of forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section from 1980 through 1987.

Results: The rate of cesarean sections increased by 48%, while the rate of forceps procedures declined by 43%. Although the risk of cesarean section was significantly increased for older women, the risk of forceps and vacuum extraction procedures did not vary by age. Women with private insurance were significantly more likely to receive a cesarean section (rate ratio [RR] = 1.2), forceps procedure (RR = 1.7), and vacuum extraction procedure (RR = 1.8) than were women without private insurance.

Conclusions: As pressure mounts to decrease the national cesarean section rate from 24% to 15% by the year 2000, attention should also be given to surveillance of other operative delivery procedures.