[The Misgav-Ladach method for cesarean section compared to the Pfannenstiel technique]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of two different methods of cesarean section. To determine whether the Misgav-Ladach caesarean technique can offer benefits when compared with conventional Pfannenstiel caesarean section technique.

This study describes operative details and the postoperative course of 110 patients who underwent caesarean section in May 2000 to December 2000 in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Regional Hospital in Slupsk, Poland.

One group (50 women) was operated with the Misgav-Ladach method for caesarean section and the other group (60 women) with Pfannenstiel method.

Operating time was significantly different between the two methods, with an average of 20.2 minutes with the Misgav-Ladach method and 47.3 minutes with the Pfannenstiel method (p < 0.001). Time of child delivery was with average 1.1 minutes with the Misgav-Ladach method and 3.8 minutes with the Pfannenstiel method (p < 0.001). The amount of blood loss different significantly, with 336 ml and 483 ml respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in Apgar scores. No difference was found in overall postoperative complications, wound infection, febrile illness, febrile morbidity, wound dehiscence affected by the new technique. Significantly less suture material was used during Misgav-Ladach caesarean section compared to Pfannenstiel technique (p < 0.001).

The Misgav-Ladach method of caesarean section has advantages over the Pfannenstiel technique by being significantly quicker to perform, with the reduced amounts of bleeding and suture material. The women were satisfied with the appearance of their scars. In this study no negative effects of the new operation technique were discovered.