Caesarean section Flashcards
What is an elective caesarean?
Elective caesarean section involves a planned date on which a woman will come in for delivery. It is usually performed under a spinal anaesthetic, and is considered generally a very safe and routine procedure. Usually these are performed after 39 weeks gestation.
Indications for elective caeserean?
Indications for elective caesarean include:
Previous caesarean Symptomatic after a previous significant perineal tear Placenta praevia Vasa praevia Breech presentation Multiple pregnancy Uncontrolled HIV infection Cervical cancer
Categories of Caesarean section?
There are four categories of emergency caesarean section:
Category 1: There is an immediate threat to the life of the mother or baby. Decision to delivery time is 30 minutes.
Category 2: There is not an imminent threat to life, but caesarean is required urgently due to compromise of the mother or baby. Decision to delivery time is 75 minutes.
Category 3: Delivery is required, but mother and baby are stable.
Category 4: This is an elective caesarean, as described above.
Incisions used during C-section?
The most commonly used skin incision is a transverse lower uterine segment incision. There are two possible incisions:
Pfannenstiel incision is a curved incision two fingers width above the pubic symphysis
Joel-cohen incision is a straight incision that is slightly higher (this is the recommended incision)
A vertical incision down the middle of the abdomen is also possible, but this is rarely used. It may be used in certain circumstances, such as very premature deliveries and anterior placenta praevia.
Blunt dissection is used, after the initial incision with a scalpel, to separate the remaining layers of the abdominal wall and uterus. Blunt dissection involves using fingers, blunt instruments and traction to tear the tissues apart, rather than to cut them with sharp tools such as a scalpel. This results in less bleeding, shorter operating times and less risk of injury to the baby.
Layers of abdomen that need to be dissected during a c section?
The layers of the abdomen that need to be dissected during a caesarean are:
Skin
Subcutaneous tissue
Fascia / rectus sheath (the aponeurosis of the transversus abdominis and external and internal oblique muscles)
Rectus abdominis muscles (separated vertically)
Peritoneum
Vesicouterine peritoneum (and bladder) – the bladder is separated from the uterus with a bladder flap
Uterus (perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium)
Amniotic sac
How is baby delivered in c-section?
The baby is delivered by hand with the assistance of pressure on the fundus. Forceps may be used if necessary.
How is uterus closed in c section?
The uterus is closed inside the abdomen using two layers of sutures. Exteriorisation (taking the uterus out of the abdomen) is avoided if possible. The abdomen and skin are then closed.
What anaesthetic is given in c section?
A spinal anaesthetic involves giving an injection of a local anaesthetic (such as lidocaine) into the cerebrospinal fluid at the lower back. This blocks the nerves from the abdomen downwards.
A spinal anaesthetic is safer, and leads to fewer complications and a faster recovery than a general anaesthetic. The potential problems are that the patient remains awake (most patients tolerate this well, but some prefer to be asleep), and it takes longer to initiate than a general anaesthetic.
Risks associated with anaesthetic?
Risks associated with having an anaesthetic:
Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis Hypotension Headache Urinary retention Nerve damage (spinal anaesthetic) Haematoma (spinal anaesthetic) Sore throat (general anaesthetic) Damage to the teeth or mouth (general anaesthetic)
Complications of c sections?
There is a risk of aspiration pneumonitis during caesarean section, caused by acid reflux and aspiration during the prolonged period lying flat. H2 receptor antagonists (e.g. ranitidine) or proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) are given before the procedure to reduce the risk of this happening.
Generic surgical risks: Bleeding Infection Pain Venous thromboembolism
Complications in the postpartum period: Postpartum haemorrhage Wound infection Wound dehiscence Endometritis
Damage to local structures: Ureter Bladder Bowel Blood vessels
Effects on the abdominal organs:
Ileus
Adhesions
Hernias
Effects on future pregnancies: Increased risk of repeat caesarean Increased risk of uterine rupture Increased risk of placenta praevia Increased risk of stillbirth
Effects on the baby:
Risk of lacerations (about 2%)
Increased incidence of transient tachypnoea of the newborn
Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) possible?
Contraindications?
It is possible to have a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section, provided the cause of the caesarean is unlikely to recur. An assessment of the likelihood of success should be made in each case. Success rate of VBAC is around 75%. Uterine rupture risk in VBAC is about 0.5%.
Contraindications:
Previous uterine rupture
Classical caesarean scar (a vertical incision)
Other usual contraindications to vaginal delivery (e.g. placenta praevia)
What is important to carry out after c-section?
Having a caesarean section is likely to lead to a period of reduced mobility. Women should have a VTE risk assessment performed to determine the type and duration of VTE prophylaxis (follow local guidelines). Prophylaxis for VTE involves:
Early mobilisation
Anti-embolism stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression of the legs
Low molecular weight heparin (e.g. enoxaparin)
