Cesarean Section: Guidelines for Appropriate Utilization

With nearly one million procedures performed each year, the cesarean section is now the most common operation in the United States. Yet, much controversy exists. When is it and when is it not appropriate to perform a cesarean section? What is an "appropriate" cesarean section rate? Can the cesarean section rate be safely reduced? The authors answer these questions through a practical, comprehensive review of the clinical, medical-legal, social, ethical, and economic considerations involved. Plus, a special chapter with specific guidelines for appropriate utilization of cesarean operations makes this book the definitive guide for the physician who must determine whether to have a patient deliver vaginally or surgically.