Our Summary

In the past 10 years, more and more women in Russia are giving birth via C-section (also known as abdominal delivery), with the current rate at about 25%. However, this increase has also led to a rise in complications, particularly infections of the surgical wound made for the C-section. In some places, up to 43% of women experience this kind of infection.

This study looked at the factors that might increase the risk of these infections among women in the Kirov region of Russia. The researchers used data from the medical records of women who gave birth in the hospitals of Kirov city.

They found that the rate of C-sections in Kirov increased from 27% to 34% between 2011 and 2021. The rate of surgical wound infections after a C-section was 27%. Meanwhile, rates of peritonitis (inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen) and sepsis (a serious infection that can spread throughout the body) were between 0.93% to 1.01%.

The study also found that a woman’s overall health and her past obstetric history (like previous pregnancies and births) can influence the risk of wound infection after a C-section.

The researchers suggest that a thorough analysis of these risk factors can help healthcare providers identify and treat these infections early, which can reduce the duration of hospital stays and help preserve a woman’s ability to have more children in the future. This issue is relevant not only for Kirov, but also for the entire country.

FAQs

  1. What is the current rate of C-sections in Russia and how has this figure changed over the past decade?
  2. What factors can increase the risk of surgical wound infections after a C-section?
  3. What measures can healthcare providers take to identify and treat infections early following a C-section?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cesarean section is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection. This may include keeping the surgical wound clean and dry, changing dressings as recommended, and taking prescribed antibiotics as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor for any signs of infection and ensure proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cesarean section include:

  1. Women with a previous history of cesarean section, as they may have a higher risk of complications during a vaginal delivery.
  2. Women carrying multiple fetuses (twins, triplets, etc.), as the risk of complications during labor and delivery is higher.
  3. Women with certain medical conditions, such as placenta previa (where the placenta is low-lying and covers the cervix), which can increase the risk of bleeding during vaginal delivery.
  4. Women with certain fetal conditions, such as a breech presentation (where the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first), which can make vaginal delivery more difficult.
  5. Women with certain complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, which may necessitate a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Timeline

Before a cesarean section, a patient may experience labor complications, such as failure to progress, fetal distress, or placental abruption. They may also undergo pre-operative preparations, such as blood tests, anesthesia consultation, and signing consent forms.

During the cesarean section procedure, the patient will be given anesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and uterus, and the baby will be delivered. The surgical wound will be closed with stitches or staples.

After the cesarean section, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being transferred to a postpartum unit. They may experience pain at the incision site, difficulty moving or walking, and discomfort when breastfeeding.

In the following days and weeks, the patient will need to take pain medication, monitor the incision for signs of infection, and attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. They may also need assistance with daily activities and childcare.

Overall, the recovery process after a cesarean section can be longer and more challenging compared to a vaginal delivery, but with proper care and support, most women are able to recover fully and care for their newborn.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cesarean section include:

  1. What are the reasons for recommending a C-section in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a C-section, including surgical wound infections?
  3. How can I reduce my risk of developing a surgical wound infection after a C-section?
  4. What steps will be taken to prevent infections during and after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgical wound be monitored and treated post-operatively?
  6. What signs and symptoms should I look out for that may indicate a surgical wound infection?
  7. What is the typical recovery process after a C-section, and how will infections affect this process?
  8. How will a surgical wound infection impact my future pregnancies and deliveries?
  9. Are there any specific factors in my medical history that may increase my risk of developing a surgical wound infection after a C-section?
  10. What follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after discharge from the hospital?

Reference

Authors: Starikova DV, Bogacheva NV, Makarova IA. Journal: Klin Lab Diagn. 2022 Jun 20;67(6):374-379. doi: 10.51620/0869-2084-2022-67-6-374-379. PMID: 35749604