Auditing cesarean section indications in women of Groups 1 to 4 of Robson's Ten-Group Classification System: A descriptive study at a university hospital in Thailand

Abstract

Aim: To determine the appropriateness of indication for cesarean section in women at term with a single fetus in cephalic presentation without previous CS irrespective of parity and how labor started (Robson's Ten-Group Classification System [RTGCS] groups 1-4).  Methods: This was a descriptive study assessing medical records of 311 women in RTGCS groups 1- 4, between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2020 who underwent a CS in Srinagarind Hospital, a university hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Appropriateness of CS indications was assessed using criteria developed by our institute. Indications were classified into three categories: cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), fetal indications, and other maternal indications. Results: The overall appropriate rate of CS indications in RTGCS groups 1-4 was 32.5% (95% CI 26.8% – 38.7%). The appropriate rates of CS indications in RTCGS group 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, and 4b were 43.0% (95% CI 35.2% - 51.2%), 10.6% (95% CI 0.0% - 24.9%), 11.7% (95% CI 0.0% - 25.0%), 50.0% (95% CI 32.1% - 68.6%), 0% (95% CI 0.0% - 100%), and 40.0% (95% CI 20.0% - 74.8%) respectively. Conclusion: Low appropriateness in CS indications in RTGCS groups 1-4 leads to high CS rates. Increasing appropriateness of CS indications in this population will reduce unnecessary CS. Interventions focusing on increasing appropriateness in CS indications are urgently required to achieve appropriate use of CS.