Puerperal infection remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary risk factor is cesarean delivery, which increases the risk 5- to 20-fold. This article reviews in detail the risk of puerperal infection following cesarean delivery, both endometritis and surgical site infection, in both high- and low-risk populations. Strategies to prevent such infections are also discussed using a systematic evidence-based approach.
Keywords: Cesarean delivery; Endometritis; Pregnancy-related mortality; Puerperal infection; Surgical site infection.