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. 2020 Jan:245:390-395.
doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.07.070. Epub 2019 Aug 16.

Perioperative Management and Outcomes After Cesarean Section-A Cross-Sectional Study From Rural Rwanda

Christian Mazimpaka  1 , Eline Uwitonze  2 , Teena Cherian  3 , Bethany Hedt-Gauthier  4 , Fredrick Kateera  2 , Robert Riviello  5 , Ziad El-Khatib  6 , Kristin Sonderman  5 , Magdalena Gruendl  7 , Caste Habiyakare  8 , Sadoscar Hakizimana  8 , Daniella Kayitesi  2 , Theoneste Nkurunziza  2
Affiliations

Perioperative Management and Outcomes After Cesarean Section-A Cross-Sectional Study From Rural Rwanda

Christian Mazimpaka et al. J Surg Res. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Cesarean sections (c-sections), the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide, are essential in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. There is a paucity of research studies on c-section care and outcomes in rural African settings. The objective of this study was to describe demographic characteristics, clinical management, and maternal and neonatal outcomes among women receiving c-sections at Kirehe District Hospital (KDH) in rural Rwanda.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all women aged ≥ 18 y residing in KDH catchment area who delivered by c-section at KDH between April 1 and September 30, 2017. Demographic and clinical characteristics of these women and their newborns were collected using patient interviews and medical chart extraction. Descriptive analyses were performed, and frequency and percentages are reported.

Results: Of the 621 women included in the study, 45.7% (n = 284) were aged 25-34 y; 42.2% (n = 262) were married; 67.5% (n = 419) had primary education; and 75.7% (n = 470) were farmers by occupation. Burundian refugees living in the nearby Mahama Refugee Camp comprised 13.7% (n = 85) of the study population. The most common indication for c-section was having undergone a c-section previously (31.9%, n = 198), followed by acute fetal distress (30.8%, n = 191). Among those with previous c-section as the sole indication for surgery, 85.4% presented as either urgent or emergent cases. Postoperatively, 67.7% spent less than 4 d at the hospital and 96.1% had no postoperative complications before discharge. Approximately 10% (59/572) of neonates were admitted to the neonatal unit, with the most common reason being neonatal infection (59.6%, n = 31).

Conclusions: Our study found that previous delivery via c-section was the primary indication for c-section and that most of these cases were emergent or urgent on presentation. This study highlights the need for further research to explore the feasibility, safety, and appropriateness of vaginal birth after cesarean in rural district hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Child health; Maternal health; Refugees; Sub-Saharan Africa; Surgery; Vaginal birth after cesarean.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest:

Authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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