Abstract Background: Cesarean section (C-section) is a common surgical procedure in obstetrics, requiring adherence to standardized protocols to ensure maternal and neonatal safety. This study evaluates compliance with clinical guidelines for elective lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) in a small healthcare organization. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months, analyzing elective LSCS cases performed from September 2023 to February 2024. Data were collected using an observational checklist based on audit standards set by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Compliance was assessed across parameters including informed consent, antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthesia type, thromboprophylaxis, and umbilical cord pH testing. Results: Of the 50 deliveries, 66% were elective LSCS, 18% were normal vaginal deliveries, and 16% were emergency CS. The mean maternal age was 29.88 years, and 66.67% were primigravida. Compliance with consent documentation (100%), regional anesthesia (96.97%), and antacid/antiemetic prophylaxis (100%) was high. However, umbilical cord pH testing was performed in only 36.36% of cases, and thromboprophylaxis compliance was 12.12%, highlighting areas for improvement. Conclusion: While compliance with key audit standards was satisfactory, gaps in thromboprophylaxis and umbilical cord pH testing indicate the need for targeted interventions. Regular audits, staff training, and policy enforcement can enhance adherence to international guidelines, improving patient safety and care quality in LSCS management.
Jain et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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