How to perform a perimortem cesarean section (c-section)?

Read about this in a newly located site : My EmergencyMedicine Blog.

Indications:

• pregnant patient in cardiac arrest who has not responded to resuscitation efforts within 4 minutes of onset
• viable fetus, generally > 24 weeks (but somewhat institution dependent)

Procedure

• vertical incision from 2-3 cm above pubic symphysis to 1 cm below the umbilicus
• extend incision through subcutaneous fat to rectus sheath
• grasp rectus sheath with forceps and carefully make incision through it with scalpel/Mayo scissors
• expose the uterus
• make midline vertical incision through uterus with scalpel/scissors
• deliver fetus

Sources

Reichman, E MD and Simon, R MD. “Perimortem Cesarean Section” Emergency Medicine Procedures. McGraw Hill. 2004.

Roberts, J MD. et al. “Perimortem Cesarean Section” Roberts: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine 4th ed. Elsevier. 2004.