Role of cesarean section in prevention of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis — Is there one?

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign yet aggressive neoplasm that produces considerable morbidity in children. Previous studies have linked RRP in children to mothers with genital tract human papillomavirus infections (HPV). Risk factors for vertical transmission have not been well identified. Controversy exists among obstetricians and otolaryngologists regarding the role of cesarean section in preventing the transmission of HPV disease from mother to child. We address this issue by presenting the results of a national survey of otolaryngologists, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology position statement, the relevant literature regarding the association between RRP and maternal HPV, and the proposed mechanisms for HPV transmission at birth. We postulate a very limited role for cesarean section in preventing transmission of RRP, given our present knowledge of this disease.