Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Surgical injuries to the ureter or bowel occur in approximately 0.1% of c-sections. The risk of infection to the incision ranges from 2.5% to 15%. Urinary tract infections occur in 2–16% of patients post-c-section. The risk for developing a deep-vein thrombosis is three to five times higher in patients undergoing c-section than vaginal delivery.
Of the hundreds of thousands of women in the United States who undergo a c-section each year, about 500 die from serious infections, hemorrhaging, or other complications. The overall maternal mortality rate is estimated to be between six and 22 deaths per 100,000 births; approximately one-third of maternal deaths that occur after c-section can be attributed to the procedure. These deaths may be related to the health conditions that made the operation necessary, and not simply to the operation itself.
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Provides a step-by-step graphical description of how an anesthesiologist inserts an epidural prior to delivery of a pregnancy. The epidural provides anesthesia into the epidural space of the spinal cord to block all sensation from the level of the epidural down to the feet. The mother stays conscious, but free from vaginal pain, during the delivery with an epidural.
To remove a baby by cesarean section, an incision is made into the abdomen, usually just above the pubic hairline (A). The uterus is located and divided (B), allowing for delivery of the baby (C). After all the contents of the uterus are removed, the uterus is repaired, and the rest of the layers of the abdominal wall are closed (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
Other Information
A Caesarean section (or Cesarean section in American English), also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, although in recent times it has been also performed upon request for childbirths that would otherwise have been natural. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that caesarean sections rates should not go above 15% in any country. However, rates between 5% to 10% are best.
Other Information
an obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
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