Investigating Cesarean Section Trends: A Study Using the Modified Robson Classification in a Tertiary Care Setting.

INTRODUCTION

The cesarean section (CS) rate is steadily rising in developed and developing nations. While CS is often perceived as a life-saving intervention, it comes with associated dangers for both the present and future pregnancies. The Robson criteria classify CS into 10 groups with further sub-divisions based on the gestational age, various pregnancy categories, prior obstetrical records, and the progress of labor and delivery.

METHODS

This retrospective record review was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A non-probability consecutive sampling method was employed to enroll all 1198 pregnant women who underwent CS delivery between July 1st and December 31st, 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 2616 deliveries were performed during the study period; among these, 1198 (45%) were delivered by CS. Out of 10 groups of Robson Criteria, Group 5 emerged as the primary contributor to the overall CS rate, making up approximately 34.3% of cases, followed by Group 10, which contributed to 28.5% of cases. Group 2 contributed 16.4% of cases in total, with subgroup 2A constituting 12% of the overall rates, and Group 1 was found to be the fourth contributing category (5.1%), succeeded by Group 6 (4.9%), Group 4 (3.9%), and Group 8 (3.4%).

CONCLUSION

The Modified Robson Criteria was found to be an effective and easy-to-comprehend tool, which assists in monitoring the indications of CS and aids in devising strategies to reduce its rates in clinical practice.