How to Perform a Cesarean (C-Section)

Regional anesthesia is most frequently administered to the patient, who is awake. After making a well educated guess of the size of the fetus, a vertical (krohnig) slit or a low transverse (kerr) is finished. The peritoneum should be incised and the rectus muscles are moved apart. Hemostasis is assured. The bladder is reflected from the lower uterine segment and the uterus is cut. When you enter the amniotic sac, be sure to have a protective tip on the surgical instruments to prevent injury. The fetal head is delivered using manual pressure or by obstetric forceps as well as counter-pressure on the fedus. Than the retractors are removed.

When you can see see the head emerge, some doctors might want to use a pessary, but its not recommended, the newborn's nares are aspirated by bulb syringe right away but very carefully; the delivery is completed. Oxy-toctin is administered intravenously to encourage the uterus to shrink and lowers blood loss. Than the umbilical cord is cut after it's been clamped. The infant is received in a sheet and given to a gowned and gloved member of the neonatal team e.g. the pediatrician. Resuscitative measures are given to the neonate under warming lamps. In order to determine the baby's apgar score. The pediatrician will do this. Things like Vernix are wiped from the infant's skin. Ointment (erythromycin 0.5%) is applied to the conjunctival sacs of the baby by a associate of the neonatal team. Now the placenta is delivered. The uterus is massaged to promote it to contract. You can perform Tubal ligation. Blood amniotic fluid, etc. are aspirated. Hemostasis is used. The edges of the uterine incisision are clamped to aid in its closure; the uterus and bladder are closed in a single or a double layer. The peritoneum at the lower uterine segment is sutured to its anatomic position. The wound is closed in layers. Than an perineal pad and abdominal dressing are then applied. Warmed blankets (from blanket warmer) are then places over the mom.

The mother and baby, in good condition are given a moment to bond on the gurney. The infant is rushed to the neonatal unit to be further cleaned, weighed, etc.


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A "How to Perform a Cesarean (C-Section)" article is by Ryan E.