Tropical Doctor > Volume 39, Number 4 > Pp. 198-200

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Does a preference for symphysiotomy over caesarean section reduce the operative delivery rate?

Peter O Nkwo MBBS FWACS      Hyacinth E Onah MBBS FWACS  

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Correspondence to: Peter O Nkwo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria Email: drponkwo{at}yahoo.com

We analysed the data from a hospital that had practiced symphysiotomy and caesarean section (c/s) for many years and where symphysiotomy was acceptable to the parturient women, in order to determine the effects of symphysiotomy on c/s and on the overall operative delivery rates. Regression analysis revealed significant negative correlation between symphysiotomy and c/s (R = –0.610, P = 0.03 at 95% confidence interval [CI]) and a non-significant negative correlation between symphysiotomy and combined operative deliveries (R = –0.108, P = 0.383 at 5% CI). This study has confirmed that, in our environment, the practice of symphysiotomy significantly reduces the c/s rate and may save some women from operative deliveries in subsequent pregnancies. With the widespread aversion for c/s in the developing countries and a preference for symphysiotomy in some communities, symphysiotomy should be offered as an alternative to c/s whenever possible. Urgent revival of the dying skill of symphysiotomy is recommended in developing countries.

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