Classical Caesarean Section: Maternal and Foetal Outcomes at a Tertiary Centre in New Zealand

Classical caesarean section (CCS) remains an uncommon but important procedure in obstetrics. We performed a retrospective review of all CCSs at Wellington Regional Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. 109 CCSs were performed, representing 1.8% of all caesarean sections (n = 5913) and 0.7% of all births (n = 16646). Most (58.7%) were performed before 28 weeks' gestation, with an unformed lower uterine segment being the most common reason for performing a classical incision. Maternal morbidity and foetal mortality were closely linked to underlying conditions prompting delivery. These findings provide contemporary data to support clinical decision-making and patient counselling regarding CCS.