Trial of labor versus elective repeat cesarean: an administrator's perspective

Hospital administrators are most concerned with the quality of medical care. With specific regard to vaginal birth after cesarean, it is essential that the surgical personnel and anesthesia be able to intervene in a timely manner for an obstetrical emergency. Other considerations are patient satisfaction, perception by the community, and cost. Budgets and balancing resources are important factors but pale in decision-making compared with the ill-publicity and medicolegal risk associated with an untoward outcome.