The Misgav Ladach method--a step forward in operative technique in obstetrics

To investigate the advantage of performing cesarean section using the Misgav-Ladach method and to justify its use in everyday practice.

In a prospective study we analyzed over a two year period (2000-01) cesarean sections carried out using the Misgav-Ladach method at our clinic. We compared both 550 cases of Misgav-Ladach (ML) and 100 cases of Pfannenstiel (PH) cesarean section. In the group that had undergone the Misgav-Ladach method we sutured the uterus in one layer and left the peritoneum non-sutured, and in the group who had undergone Pfennenstiel we sutured the uterus in two layers and also sutured the visceral and parietal peritoneum. In every case we analyzed: maternal age, gestational age, duration of operation, consumption of suture material, duration of hospitalization, and surgical complications.

Incidence of postoperative febrile morbidity was 5.45%, in the Misgav-Ladach group compared with 13.2% in the Pfannenstiel group (p < 0.05). Local infection of the wound in the Misgav-Ladach group was found in 4.54% and in the Pfannenstiel group in 9% (p < 0.05). Mean time of extraction of the newborn in the Misgav-Ladach group was 1.25 minutes, and in the Pfannenstiel group 4.10 minutes (P < 0.05). Mean duration of operation in the Misgav-Ladach group was 10.98 min, and in the Pfannenstiel group 25 min (p < 0.05). Mean duration of hospitalization in the Misgav-Ladach group was 4.75 days, and in the Pfannenstiel group 6.32 days (p > 0.05). Mean consumption of suture material in the group Misgav-Ladach was 3.10 sutures per operation, and in the Pfannenstiel group was 9.5 sutures.

Our study shows that the Misgav-Ladach method of cesarean section enables fast recovery and shorter hospitalization, and reduces the length of the operation, the incidence of surgical complication and the consumption of surgical materials.