[Evaluation of indications for cesarean section. Comparison of two decades. Preliminary results]

We have retrospectively analysed the incidence of cesarean section during the periods 1970-79 and 1981-90 and the evolution, if any, of the principal indication over time. The average incidence of cesarean section was 9.01% in the seventies and 11.63% in the eighties: the difference was statistically significant. Four classes of indication show significant differences between the periods considered: previous cesarean, feto-pelvic disproportion, anomalous presentation, gestosis. An evolution of cesarean section indications is shown: minus parity, better health, sanitary and environmental conditions, better physiopathological and clinical knowledge of pregnancy complication and labor seem to be causes of that evolution.