EVALUATION OF INTRAOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN CESAREAN SECTION: ELECTIVE VERSUS EMERGENCY

Abstract

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most frequently carried out surgical operations in the world. Complications may be associated with the surgery, either during or after the procedure – emergency CS is likely to have a higher risk than elective CS. The knowledge of the pattern of intraoperative and postoperative complications is important to create an ideal maternal and neonatal outcome

Objective: To assess and compare the perioperative morbidity associated with elective and emergency CS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Sir Ganag ram Hospital, Lahore from January 2025 to June 2025, including 288 women who underwent cesarean section, the number of subjects was determined based on the World Health Organization (WHO) formula. The patients were divided into two groups: elective CS group and emergency CS group. A structured proforma was used to collect data relating to the demographic characteristics, obstetric history and surgical outcome. Intraoperative complications evaluated were haemorrhage, adjacent organ injury and anesthetic-related events; and postoperative complications were wound infection, febrile morbidity, thromboembolic events and length of hospital stay. Comparisons of complication rates between the two groups were done using statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential tests).

Results: There were significant more complications during and after the cesarean section in the emergency group than during and after elective cesarean section. Common complications seen were bleeding and wound infection. Advanced maternal age, multiparity and indications for surgery were considered as risk factors for the occurrence of complications.

Conclusion: Emergency cesarean sections have a greater risk of complications than elective cesarean sections. Better pre-operative evaluation, prompt decision-making and following the surgical procedure could minimise the risk of complications and protect the mother.