Objective: Evaluation of the importance of extraperitoneal Caesarean section in contemporary obstetrics. Design: Review. Setting: A historical review of views on the approach to the lower uterine segment in Caesarean section and definition of some myths associated with extraperitoneal Caesarean sections. Retrospective analysis of the development of indications for this operation in 1977 - 1999 and their possible advantages. Results: Analysis of 318 operations proved possible advantages of the operation during the perioperative period as well as during convalescence. Conclusion: Extraperitoneal Caesarean section can be considered an alternative of other surgical methods and procedures in infected cases and also an operation which can be implemented under all conditions except peracute states. The limiting factor is in particular the surgeon not familiar with the extraperitoneal technique. It is an operation with reduced invasiveness.

        Key words: Caesarean section, extraperitoneal approach, indications