Rural surgeons are often called upon to manage a range of emergency obstetric problems despite their limitations in technological, nursing and consultant resources. One ASI survey revealed that 80% of rural surgeons manage obstetric emergencies. The purpose of this article is to help such a rural surgeon gather enough knowledge about this subject so that he is able to decide if he can manage the patient himself and if not, how to prepare her for a safe transport to the next centre.
Obstetrical problems happen without or with very little warning and are often life-threatening emergencies. They may not be fit for transfer to distant centres. They need immediate emergency care. Such conditions include bleeding, eclampsia, obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, septic abortion and puerperal sepsis. All these conditions are important causes of maternal death. Proper management will reduce the maternal mortality in rural areas.
