Routine cervical dilatation during elective caesarean section. Should we continue?

The caesarean section rate is on the increase globally, with its attendant complications. One of the measures adopted by obstetricians to decrease complications, such as endometritis and blood loss is intraoperative cervical dilatation during elective caesarean section. A multicentre double blind randomised controlled trial was carried out in Enugu, Nigeria, to ascertain the usefulness of this practice. A total of 208 pregnant women were randomised: 104 had intraoperative cervical dilatation and the other 104 did not have their cervices dilated. All the patients had similar preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care and were followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, the study shows no benefit in routine intraoperative cervical dilation. Practitioners must make sure that neither the placenta nor fetal membrane is overlying the internal os before they close the uterine wound.