Cesarean section rates and indications in Greece: data from a 24-year period in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Objective: To assess the overall cesarean section rates and indications in a Greek teaching hospital over a period of 24 years.

Method: Data from 34,575 deliveries between 1977 and 2000 were reviewed. Analysis of cesarean section rates and indications followed.

Results: The overall cesarean section rate increased progressively from 13.8% (1977-83) to 29.9% (1994-2000). Cesarean section rates due to previous cesarean delivery increased from 7.7% of all deliveries (1977-83) to 10.9% (1994-2000). Primary cesarean section rates increased more than three-fold from 6.1% (1977-83) to 19% (1994-2000). The main indications for primary cesarean section were: dystocia (including dysfunctional labor, cephalopelvic disproportion and malpresentations), fetal distress, breech presentation, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions: The overall cesarean section rate increased more than two-fold over the study period. Previous cesarean section was the most common indication. However, the overall increase is mainly to increase of primary cesarean section rates.