Caesarean birth

New evidence

We found 284 new studies in a search for randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published between 25 September 2012 and 19 January 2016. We also considered 3 additional studies identified by members of the guideline committee who originally worked on this guideline.

Evidence identified in a previous evidence update (2013), surveillance review (2014), and rapid review (2015) was also considered. This included 16 studies identified in the evidence update (2014) and surveillance review (2014), and 4 studies identified in the rapid review (2015).

From all sources, 307 studies were considered to be relevant to the guideline.

We also checked for relevant ongoing research, which will be evaluated again at the next surveillance review of the guideline.

See appendix A for all new evidence considered.

Views of topic experts

We considered the views of topic experts, including those who helped to develop the guideline and other correspondence we have received since the publication of the guideline. This included a workshop with experts to discuss potential areas for update.

Views of stakeholders

Stakeholders are consulted only if we decide not to update the guideline following checks at 4 and 8 years after publication. Because this was a 4-year surveillance review, and the decision was to update, we did not consult on the decision.

See ensuring that published guidelines are current and accurate in developing NICE guidelines: the manual for more details on our consultation processes.

NICE Surveillance programme project team

Sarah Willett
Associate Director

Philip Alderson
Consultant Clinical Adviser

Katrina Sparrow
Technical Adviser

Andrea Juliana Sanabria
Technical Analyst

The NICE project team would like to thank the topic experts who participated in the surveillance process.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2251-2