HPI: Topolcany Has More Caesareans than Normal Deliveries

Bratislava, July 18 (TASR) – Slovak obstetricians resort to Caesarean sections too frequently, even in cases when they probably aren’t necessary, states Health Policy Institute’s (HPI) latest Maternity Hospital Guide.

According to HPI’s statistics, C-sections were carried out in as many as 30.2 percent of deliveries in Slovakia in 2015, which is well above the ratio of 15-25 percent recommended for developed countries. Meanwhile, 48 out of 54 maternity hospitals in Slovakia joined the project last year.

“Even though the Caesarean can be a life-saving procedure in certain cases, its excessive use is connected with higher occurrence of complications for both mothers and children,” warned HPI’s Silvia Hnilicova.

The highest ratio of C-sections was recorded in Topolcany (Nitra region) – as many as 54.6 percent, with Hnilicova describing the figure as “alarming”. A total of four maternity hospitals in Slovakia had the ratio of C-sections exceeding 45 percent in 2015.

Conversely, the lowest figures were seen in Kezmarok (Presov region) – 14.2 percent, Trencin – 14.6 percent, and Trebisov (Kosice region) – 15.9 percent.

A commendable situation was evident also in Trnava, which saw a year-on-year fall in C-sections from 34.6 percent to 21.9 percent, noted Hnilicova.

The Caesarean represents a potential risk of organ damage, infection, thrombosis and pathological abdominal adhesions for the mother, while the child could have respiration problems and later immunity issues and allergies.