EVALUATING THE 30-MINUTE INTERVAL IN EMERGENCY CESAREAN-SECTIONS

BACKGROUND: This study was done to evaluate what percent of emergency cesarean sections are begun within the 30 minute interval between decision and incision time and to evaluate morbidity associated with this time interval. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective patient-control study of records from 75 patients undergoing emergency cesarean sections and two different control groups was undertaken. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of emergency cesarean sections were begun in less than 30 minutes. A significantly greater number of infants in the group that delivered in less than 30 minutes experienced five minute Apgar scores less than six. There was no significant differences in maternal morbidity associated with emergency cesarean sections. CONCLUSIONS: The 30 minute interval is obtainable in a large number of patients but did not have a beneficial effect on neonatal morbidity. There was no significant morbidity seen in the patients who underwent emergency cesarean section. Other measurements of emergency preparedness should be considered other than the 30 minute rule.