Classical Caesarean: What Are the Maternal and Infant Risks Compared With Low Transverse Caesarean in Preterm Birth, and Subsequent Uterine Rupture Risks? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Classical Caesarean section may be associated with increased short- and long-term risks. The objectives of this study were to review the following systematically: first, the short-term maternal and infant risks with preterm classical compared with low transverse Caesarean sections; and second, the risk of spontaneous or early-labour uterine rupture. The data sources used were Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1980 to July 2018. A total of 772 studies were independently screened by two reviewers, and 91 full texts were reviewed. The review included nine studies comparing outcomes after preterm classical versus low transverse Caesarean section and 15 studies addressing subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Our primary short-term outcomes were maternal death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. For subsequent pregnancies, our primary outcome was the risk of spontaneous or early-labour uterine rupture. The data were synthesized using random effects, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated. There were no significant differences between preterm classical and low transverse Caesarean sections in the odds of maternal death (OR 2.38; 95% CI 0.15-38.07) or ICU admission (adjusted OR 2.38; 95% CI 0.42-13.35). A subgroup from 28 to 31 weeks gestation had increased risks of endometritis, transfusion, and ICU admission with the classical incision. The low vertical incision was associated with a lower odds of organ injury than was the low transverse incision. The incidence of uterine rupture following the classical incision without a trial of labour was 1%. In conclusion, preterm classical Caesarean section is not associated with significantly increased risks, but data are scarce. Subsequent uterine rupture risk when not planning a trial of labour is 1%.