Re-laparotomy after cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate, indications, and outcome of re-laparotomy after cesarean section in the early postoperative period.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study during a 121-month period.

SETTING

A tertiary care university center.

POPULATION: A cohort of 3380 women who underwent cesarean section out of 18,609 parturients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean section in the early postoperative period.

RESULTS

The incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean section was 0.53% (18/3380). Of these 18 women, 12 (66%) were operated for hemorrhage, 3 (17%) for eventration, and 3 (17%) for formation of intra-abdominal abscess. Hysterectomy was required in one case (5.5%). We had no maternal mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of re-laparotomy after cesarean in the early postoperative period is low and the outcome is favorable, several measures must be undertaken to reduce the need for re-laparotomy.