Surgical Complications of Caesarean Section: A Retrospective Study at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe

Caesarean section (CS) rates have risen substantially across Nigerian tertiary facilities, accompanied by a corresponding increase in surgical complications that place significant strain on health systems. This study examines the types and frequency of surgical complications following caesarean section at Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe State, North East Nigeria, between 2020 and 2024. A retrospective review of 400 CS case records was conducted. Complications documented included intraoperative haemorrhage, bladder injury, wound infection, wound dehiscence, and secondary haemorrhage. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and cross-tabulations, with associations tested using chi-square. Emergency CS was associated with significantly higher complication rates compared to elective procedures (p=0.002). Wound infection occurred in 16% of cases and was more common in patients with prolonged labour or rupture of membranes. Bladder injury was recorded in 3.2% of cases, predominantly among patients with previous CS. The study recommends standardized surgical checklists for CS procedures, enhanced postoperative wound surveillance, and training programs targeting junior surgeons and residents at FTH Gombe. Reducing unnecessary CS rates through strengthened obstetric triage and labour monitoring is also recommended to improve maternal surgical outcomes in North East Nigeria. Keywords: caesarean section, surgical complications, wound infection, Gombe, obstetric surgery