Burst abdomen following cesarean section.

Fifty-one cases of burst abdomen occurred following 1 988 cesarean sections performed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period. The incidence of this occurrence was 2.6% (2.3% if all laparotomies in both obstetrics and gynecology are combined). The risk was three times as great for "unbooked" patients, who were first seen in labor. Possible etiologic factors and preventive measures are discussed.