Our Summary

This research paper looks back at data from a hospital between 2012 and 2015 to see how many women had to be readmitted after having a caesarean section due to infections at the surgery site. Out of 6334 women who had a c-section, 165 (or 2.6%) had to return to the hospital, and the most common reason was an infection where the surgery took place. Most of these women (88%) had their c-section as an emergency procedure, while a smaller number (12%) had a planned c-section. A large number of the women with infections were either overweight (69%) or had diabetes (14%). The study concludes that emergency c-sections, especially for women with health conditions that make them more prone to infection, were the most common reason for readmission to the hospital.

FAQs

  1. What was the percentage of patients readmitted due to surgical site infections after a cesarean section?
  2. What is the correlation between emergency cesarean sections and readmissions due to surgical site infections?
  3. What co-morbidities were most commonly present in women readmitted for surgical site infections following a cesarean section?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about cesarean section is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. This includes keeping the incision clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed antibiotics as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and managing any pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, can help reduce the risk of complications following a cesarean section.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cesarean section include:

  1. Women with certain medical conditions that may make vaginal delivery risky, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
  2. Women who have previously had a cesarean section and are not considered good candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
  3. Women carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.) or babies in abnormal positions (breech or transverse).
  4. Women experiencing certain complications during pregnancy or labor, such as placenta previa, umbilical cord prolapse, or fetal distress.
  5. Women with certain infections, such as genital herpes, HIV, or active genital herpes lesions.
  6. Women with certain uterine abnormalities that may prevent safe vaginal delivery.
  7. Women who have had a previous cesarean section with a vertical incision on the uterus.

Timeline

Before cesarean section:

  1. Patient undergoes prenatal care and routine check-ups to monitor the health of the mother and baby.
  2. Patient may develop complications during pregnancy that necessitate a cesarean section, such as breech presentation, placenta previa, or fetal distress.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-operative preparations, including fasting and medication adjustments as needed.
  4. Patient may receive anesthesia (general or regional) before the surgery begins.

After cesarean section:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and pain management.
  3. Patient is encouraged to start walking and moving around to prevent blood clots and aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient may receive antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to manage discomfort.
  5. Patient may experience post-operative complications such as surgical site infection, blood clots, or wound dehiscence.
  6. Patient may have a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a cesarean section?
  2. How can I reduce my risk of developing a surgical site infection after a cesarean section?
  3. How will the incision be cared for after the surgery?
  4. What signs and symptoms of infection should I look out for after the procedure?
  5. How long is the typical recovery time following a cesarean section?
  6. Are there any restrictions on activities or movements during the recovery period?
  7. What can I do to help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications during the recovery process?
  8. What follow-up appointments or monitoring will be necessary after the cesarean section?
  9. What are the signs that I should seek medical attention for any potential complications post-cesarean section?
  10. How can I best prepare for a cesarean section to ensure the best possible outcome for myself and my baby?

Reference

Authors: El-Achi V, Wan KM, Brown J, Marshall D, McGee T. Journal: Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Oct;58(5):582-585. doi: 10.1111/ajo.12796. Epub 2018 Mar 5. PMID: 29504126