Cesarean Section: Indications and Technique

Cesarean section (CS) is defined as the delivery of a fetus through surgical incisions made through the abdominal wall (laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy). Currently, CS is performed for a variety of maternal indications, fetal indications, or both; the leading indications are previous CS, breech presentation, dystocia, and fetal distress. The steps for CS includes preoperative preparation, operative procedure (laparotomy, hysterotomy, fetal delivery, uterine repair, and abdominal closure), and postoperative care. Major sources of morbidity and mortality with CS can be related to sequelae of surgical injury, anesthetic complications, infection, and thromboembolic disease. Decreasing the rate of primary CS and increased implementation of vaginal birth after CS are important steps of a larger movement towards decreasing the overall rate of CS. This book provides a comprehensive review of CS, emphasizing its indications and technique, which will be of immense value for obstetricians and allied health professionals.