Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of surgical timing (daytime versus night-time) and pre-incision antibiotic administration on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing emergency cesarean section (LSCS).
METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving 440 women who underwent emergency LSCS. Surgeries were categorized as daytime or night-time procedures, and antibiotic administration was classified as on-time (30-60 minutes before skin incision) or delayed. Maternal outcomes, including surgical site infection and postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal outcomes, including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, were evaluated using appropriate statistical analyses.
RESULTS: Night-time emergency cesarean sections were associated with a higher incidence of maternal complications, particularly surgical site infections and postpartum hemorrhage. Delayed administration of prophylactic antibiotics was significantly associated with an increased risk of infectious complications. Furthermore, neonates delivered during off-hour procedures showed a higher rate of NICU admissions compared with those delivered during daytime surgeries.
CONCLUSIONS: Surgical timing and timely pre-incision antibiotic prophylaxis are important determinants of maternal and neonatal outcomes following emergency cesarean section. Strengthening adherence to perioperative protocols, particularly during nighttime procedures, may help reduce postoperative complications and improve both maternal and neonatal health outcomes.