Classical caesarean section—long term morbidity

Summary

Thirty-six women had classical caesarean sections at the Leeds General Infirmary between August 1986 and November 1991. A telephone and postal survey of their current general practitioners and obstetricians was performed to assess whether there had been any long term effects on fertility or subsequent pregnancy outcome. No effect on fertility was observed. Pregnancy complications were not excessive given the recurring nature of the diseases affecting the index pregnancies. There were no instances of uterine dehiscence. With good management, the risk of clinically significant scar rupture following classical caesarean section is small and should not prevent doctors from performing the procedure if they feel that delivery through a transverse incision would be unduly traumatic to the fetus.