Overview
Cesarean Section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It is performed when vaginal delivery is not possible or safe.
Cesarean section is crucial for maternal and fetal safety in various obstetric emergencies and complications. It requires careful technique and proper management.
Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx OBG Course
Indications
Non-reassuring fetal heart rate
Baby too large for pelvis
Placenta covering cervix
Baby positioned feet first
Uterine scar concerns
Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Relative Contraindications
📋 Equipment Checklist
Check off items as you gather them:
Pre-procedure Preparation
Preparation includes patient consent, preoperative antibiotics, positioning, equipment setup, and team briefing. All team members should understand their roles.Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Patient Preparation
Position patient, prep and drape, administer antibiotics.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor positioning
- Inadequate prep
💡 Pro Tip:
Position patient supine with left lateral tilt.
Step 2: Incision
Make Pfannenstiel or midline incision.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wrong incision
- Too small incision
💡 Pro Tip:
Use Pfannenstiel incision for better cosmesis.
Step 3: Uterine Incision
Make low transverse uterine incision.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wrong uterine incision
- Extension
💡 Pro Tip:
Use low transverse incision when possible.
Step 4: Delivery
Deliver baby and placenta.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Rushed delivery
- Incomplete delivery
💡 Pro Tip:
Deliver baby gently.
Step 5: Uterine Closure
Close uterine incision in layers.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Incomplete closure
- Bleeding
💡 Pro Tip:
Close in two layers.
Step 6: Abdominal Closure
Close abdominal incision.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor closure
- Infection
💡 Pro Tip:
Close fascia and skin properly.
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Post-procedure Care
Post-procedure care involves monitoring for complications, pain management, wound care, and early ambulation.Complications & Management
| Complication | Incidence | Signs | Management | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | 5-10% | Excessive bleeding, hypotension | Uterine massage, medications | Careful technique |
| Infection | 3-8% | Fever, wound erythema | Antibiotics | Preoperative antibiotics |
| Injury to adjacent organs | 1-2% | Hematuria, ileus | Surgical repair | Careful dissection |
| Thromboembolism | 1-3% | Leg swelling, chest pain | Anticoagulation | Early ambulation |
Clinical Pearls
Use Pfannenstiel incision for better cosmesis.
Deliver baby gently to avoid trauma.
Close uterine incision in two layers.
Check for bleeding before closure.
Use preoperative antibiotics.
Close fascia and skin properly.
Monitor for complications post-operatively.