[Analysis of the cesarean section rate in 2 clinics with special reference to differences in the patient sample]

Between 1985-87, the total rate of Caesarean sections at the Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Bern, was considerably higher than at the "Kantonales Spital Sursee" (21.1% vs. 8%). A method to analyse the patient population according to parameters, which are likely to influence the section rate, such as birth weight, parity, foetal position, multiple births and placental pathology, is described. After correction for differences in patient population in the two hospitals, the difference in the section rate was reduced to 12% vs. 8%. Whilst the major part of the higher section rate in the University Department could be explained by the greater proportion of patients with an elevated risk for Caesarean delivery, a residual difference remains. Possible explanations for this difference in the section rate between the two hospitals are discussed.