What does a C-section look like in the operating room?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

A cesarean section is a surgical procedure to bring the fetus out, replacing the normal vaginal birth. In most cases of caesarean section, the pregnant woman is fully awake during the procedure.

Caesarean section is divided into two types as follows:

Pregnant women are examined and indicated for caesarean section before labor. The patient is scheduled for surgery with a specific time with the agreement of the mother and the physician.
Patients are fully tested and performed surgical procedures to ensure maximum safety for surgery.

Usually indicated when pregnant women start labor or are in labor but labor is delayed due to many reasons or unexpected complications such as fetal distress, placental abruption, ruptured placental blood vessels ... . At this time, the woman needs to be operated on as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the mother and the fetus.

After being admitted to the hospital and being assigned to have a cesarean section, pregnant women will usually have to fast for at least 6 hours before the surgery begins. During this time, the health of pregnant women will still be ensured thanks to the solution infused into the body. Pregnant women just need to rest and prepare mentally for the surgery.
During the hospital stay to prepare for surgery, the nurse will check the indicators of the fetus and the pregnant woman to ensure that she is eligible for the operation. About 1-2 hours before the surgery, the pregnant woman will be given an enema and instructions on bathing and cleaning the body.
Completing these preparatory steps, the pregnant woman can enter the operating room and conduct this cesarean section.

Currently, thanks to modern medical technology, most cesarean deliveries will be under spinal anesthesia without the need for anesthesia.
The process of sedation or anesthesia happens quickly, within about 5-10 minutes. In the case of spinal anesthesia, the pregnant woman will be placed on her side with her arms close to her knees and bent as much as possible for the doctor to administer anesthesia. In the case of anesthesia, the pregnant woman will be placed a breathing tube through her mouth and injected with anesthetic, the effect of the anesthetic is adjusted by the anesthesiologist depending on each specific case, on average one to one and a half hours.

After completing the anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, the pregnant woman will be placed on her back on the operating table and conduct catheterization, cleaning and disinfection of the abdomen. The nurse will then cover the pregnant woman's abdomen with a sterile cloth.
Next is the doctor's duty, at this time the pregnant woman will be checked to see if the anesthetic or anesthetic has worked or not. If the anesthesia or anesthetic is satisfactory, the doctor will perform the caesarean section
A caesarean section in the operating room takes place quite quickly, from the time the doctor conducts the surgery to the time the fetus is taken out, it only takes about approx. 15 minutes. However, this time is only counted for favorable surgeries, emergencies or complications, the doctor will take appropriate steps.
After removing the fetus from the mother's womb, the doctors will continue to perfect and finish the operation. The baby will be cared for by a neonatologist. Thus, the steps of a cesarean section have been completed in the operating room.

Most cesarean deliveries are very safe. However, this surgical method can still pose risks to the pregnant woman. These can include bleeding, wound infection, damage to nearby organs (bladder, intestines...).
The risk of these complications increases gradually if the pregnant woman is overweight or has a history of caesarean section. Some cases of cesarean section cause the fetus to have temporary respiratory failure, requiring the support of a doctor. In addition, a pregnant woman's body also takes longer to recover.
In short, vaginal delivery is best for mother and baby. If for some reason the doctor appoints a cesarean section, the pregnant woman is completely assured because this is a safe form of birth with few complications if it is performed at reputable hospitals with a team of doctors and nurses. doctor with good professional qualifications.
Currently, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec General Hospital applies advanced and modern painless delivery methods with a team of highly qualified professional anesthesiologists, pregnant women will no longer have pain. This whole process is carried out closely with the ultrasound machine system, modern equipped medical equipment, accurate antenatal check-up process, science will not miss the problem of the fetus, solving many problems. difficult cases such as: comb teeth, umbilical cord knotted, premature pregnancy, .. early diagnosis of some diseases of pregnant women.
Doctor Tran Thi Mai Huong has 25 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, lower tract surgery, laparoscopic surgery. Has held the position of deputy head of the School of Obstetrics and Gynecology, deputy head of the delivery department - Hai Phong Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Having high expertise and strength in the field of:
Lower tract surgery Laparoscopic surgery Difficult obstetric surgery