Complications associated with caesarean delivery in a setting with high HIV prevalence rates.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of complications associated with abdominal delivery in a setting of high caesarean section (C/S) and HIV rates.

METHOD: A detailed review of the records of 737 C/S performed over a three-month period was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Durban, South Africa.

RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 14.2%. Major complications included endometritis, wound sepsis, post-partum haemorrhage and bladder injury. HIV infection may have a negative impact on morbidity rates. Disimpacting the fetal head vaginally had a significant association with endometritis (p=0.021). The use of a corrugated drain did not prevent wound sepsis (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Complications associated with C/S are common is a setting of high C/S rates and HIV infection.