Difference between revisions of "Cesarean section"

From WikiAnesthesia
(Updated intraoperative approach and variant table. Added several citations from the literature.)
(added information about regional versus general anesthesia in C section and various techniques)
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
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{{Infobox surgical case reference
{{Infobox surgical case reference
| anesthesia_type = General vs. Regional
| anesthesia_type = Neuraxial or general
| airway = ETT if GA
| airway = ETT if general
| lines_access = 2 large bore PIV
| lines_access = Large bore IV x2
| monitors = Standard ASA <br>
| monitors = Standard
FHR monitor
Fetal heart rate monitor
| considerations_preoperative = Full stomach precautions <br>
| considerations_preoperative = Full stomach precautions
Aspiration prophylaxis <br>
Aspiration prophylaxis
Left lateral tilt
Left lateral tilt
| considerations_intraoperative =  
| considerations_intraoperative = Have uterotonics available
| considerations_postoperative =  
| considerations_postoperative =  
}}
}}
 
A '''cesarean section''' (also known as '''C-section''' or '''cesarean delivery''' ) is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the uterus. C-sections are typically performed when a vaginal delivery would put the mother or baby at risk. Often women who have had a cesarean delivery will have a subsequent or ''repeat'' cesarean delivery to prevent the possibility of uterine rupture during laborIn the USA, about 32% of deliveries are via Cesarean section<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-24|title=FastStats|url=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm|access-date=2021-05-27|website=www.cdc.gov|language=en-us}}</ref>, and worldwide the figure is approximately 21%.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Boerma|first=Ties|last2=Ronsmans|first2=Carine|last3=Melesse|first3=Dessalegn Y.|last4=Barros|first4=Aluisio J. D.|last5=Barros|first5=Fernando C.|last6=Juan|first6=Liang|last7=Moller|first7=Ann-Beth|last8=Say|first8=Lale|last9=Hosseinpoor|first9=Ahmad Reza|last10=Yi|first10=Mu|last11=Neto|first11=Dácio de Lyra Rabello|date=2018-10-13|title=Global epidemiology of use of and disparities in caesarean sections|url=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31928-7/abstract|journal=The Lancet|language=English|volume=392|issue=10155|pages=1341–1348|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31928-7|issn=0140-6736|pmid=30322584}}</ref>
A Cesarean section, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the uterus. C-sections are typically performed when a vaginal delivery would put the mother or baby at risk.  As of 2017, about 32% of deliveries in the United States were performed via C-section<ref>"Births: Provisional Data for 2017" (PDF). ''CDC''. May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.</ref>.


== Preoperative management ==
== Preoperative management ==
Line 24: Line 23:
|Neurologic
|Neurologic
|
|
* Seizures or cerebrovascular accident in patients who progress to eclampsia
|-
|-
|Cardiovascular
|Cardiovascular
|
|
* Pregnant patients typically have decreased systemic vascular resistance, decreased diastolic pressure,  decreased MAP, increased HR, and increased CO.
* Pregnant patients typically have decreased systemic vascular resistance, decreased diastolic pressure,  decreased MAP, increased HR, and increased CO.
* Left uterine tilt to minimize aortocaval compression
* Left uterine tilt to minimize aortocaval compression<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Buley|first=R. J.|last2=Downing|first2=4 W.|last3=Brock-Utne|first3=J. G.|last4=Cuerden|first4=C.|date=1977-10|title=Right versus left lateral tilt for Caesarean section|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/921864/|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=49|issue=10|pages=1009–1015|doi=10.1093/bja/49.10.1009|issn=0007-0912|pmid=921864}}</ref>
* Evaluate for pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
* Evaluate for pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
|-
|-
|Respiratory
|Pulmonary
|
|
* Pregnant patients typically have compensated respiratory alkalosis, increased minute ventilation, decreased FRC, and increased oxygen consumption.
* Pregnant patients typically have compensated respiratory alkalosis, increased minute ventilation, decreased FRC, and increased oxygen consumption.
* Decreased FRC results in rapid desaturation if ventilation is compromised.
* Decreased FRC and increased O<sub>2</sub> consumption results in rapid desaturation if ventilation is compromised.
* Atelectasis can occur secondary to an elevated diaphragm, thereby causing V/Q mismatch and decreased PaO<sub>2.</sub>
* Atelectasis can occur secondary to an elevated diaphragm, thereby causing V/Q mismatch and decreased PaO<sub>2.</sub>
* Increased MV and decreased FRC increase uptake of inhalational agents.
* Increased MV and decreased FRC increase uptake of inhalation agents.
* Mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway may necessitate smaller endotracheal tube.   
* Mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway may necessitate smaller endotracheal tube.   
|-
|-
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* Iron deficiency anemia + dilutional anemia of pregnancy
* Iron deficiency anemia + dilutional anemia of pregnancy
* Excessive blood loss possible with uterine atony, multiple gestation, previous C-section, placental pregnancy, placental abruption, pregnancy induced hypertension, or prolonged labor.
* Excessive blood loss possible with uterine atony, multiple gestation, previous C-section, placental pregnancy, placental abruption, pregnancy induced hypertension, or prolonged labor.
 
*Pregnancy is associated with a hypercoagulable state as a way to blunt the blood loss anticipated during delivery, however, this physiologic adaptation predisposes them to DVT/PE formation.
*
|-
|-
|Renal
|Renal  
|
|
* Increased renal blood flow, GFR, and creatinine clearance
*Increased renal blood flow, GFR, and creatinine clearance
* Decreased serum creatinine and BUN
* Decreased serum creatinine and BUN
* Dependent edema secondary to increased water and sodium retention
*Dependent edema secondary to increased water and sodium retention
|-
|-
|Other
|Other
Line 69: Line 68:
|}
|}


=== Labs and studies ===
===Labs and studies===


* T&S
*T&S
* T&C only if significant blood loss anticipated
*T&C only if significant blood loss anticipated
* Coagulation panel
* Coagulation panel
* Chemistry panel
*Chemistry panel
* Complete Blood Count (CBC)
*Complete Blood Count (CBC)
* Other tests as indicated by H&P
* Other tests as indicated by H&P


=== Operating room setup ===
===Operating room setup===


=== Patient preparation and premedication ===
===Patient preparation and premedication===


* Full stomach precautions
* Full stomach precautions typically employed if the mother has been laboring prior to cesarean section. There is some controversy regarding whether non-laboring parturients (eg, elective C-section) should be considered "full stomachs".
* Nonparticulate oral antacid (e.g. sodium citrate) immediately prior to general or regional anesthesia
*Nonparticulate oral antacid (e.g. sodium citrate) immediately prior to general or regional anesthesia.
* Intravenous promotility agent (eg. metoclopramide)  
*Intravenous promotility agent (eg. 10 mg metoclopramide given over 5-10 minutes). Patients may experience akathisia if given too rapidly.
* Intravenous antacids (e.g. ranitidine, famotidine)  
*Intravenous antacids (e.g. ranitidine, famotidine). Onset of action 30 minutes.
* Anxiolysis not typically used unless patient is extremely anxious
* Anxiolysis (benzodiazepines or opiates) not typically used unless patient is extremely anxious due to concern for fetal respiratory depression from placental transfer
* Elevate the right hip to provide left uterine displacement  
*Elevate the right hip to provide left uterine displacement
* Adjunctive azithromycin 500mg IV to standard beta-lactam antibiotics shown to reduce the incidence in endometriosis and wound infection occurring in the first 6 weeks after Cesarean Section<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Tita|first=Alan T.N.|last2=Szychowski|first2=Jeff M.|last3=Boggess|first3=Kim|last4=Saade|first4=George|last5=Longo|first5=Sherri|last6=Clark|first6=Erin|last7=Esplin|first7=Sean|last8=Cleary|first8=Kirsten|last9=Wapner|first9=Ron|last10=Letson|first10=Kellett|last11=Owens|first11=Michelle|date=2016-09-29|title=Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery|url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1602044|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|language=en|volume=375|issue=13|pages=1231–1241|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1602044|issn=0028-4793|pmc=PMC5131636|pmid=27682034}}</ref>.  
*Adjunctive azithromycin 500mg IV to standard beta-lactam antibiotics shown to reduce the incidence in endometriosis and wound infection occurring in the first 6 weeks after Cesarean Section<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Tita|first=Alan T.N.|last2=Szychowski|first2=Jeff M.|last3=Boggess|first3=Kim|last4=Saade|first4=George|last5=Longo|first5=Sherri|last6=Clark|first6=Erin|last7=Esplin|first7=Sean|last8=Cleary|first8=Kirsten|last9=Wapner|first9=Ron|last10=Letson|first10=Kellett|last11=Owens|first11=Michelle|date=2016-09-29|title=Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery|url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1602044|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|language=en|volume=375|issue=13|pages=1231–1241|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1602044|issn=0028-4793|pmc=PMC5131636|pmid=27682034}}</ref>.


=== Regional and neuraxial techniques<!-- Describe any potential regional and/or neuraxial techniques which may be used for this case. If none, this section may be removed. --> ===
===Regional and neuraxial techniques<!-- Describe any potential regional and/or neuraxial techniques which may be used for this case. If none, this section may be removed. -->===


* Epidural, spinal, and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) techniques are all commonly employed
*Epidural, spinal, and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) techniques are all commonly employed
** Check coagulation and platelets panel prior to neuraxial anesthesia
**Check coagulation and platelets prior to neuraxial anesthesia
* Post-operative transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block.  
*Post-operative transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block.
* Post-operative elastomeric pain pumps with local anesthetic may be useful for incisional pain


== Intraoperative management ==
==Intraoperative management==


=== Monitoring and access<!-- List and/or describe monitors and access typically needed for this case. Please describe rationale for any special monitors or access. --> ===
=== Monitoring and access<!-- List and/or describe monitors and access typically needed for this case. Please describe rationale for any special monitors or access. -->===
Standard ASA monitors


=== Induction and airway management<!-- Describe the important considerations and general approach to the induction of anesthesia and how the airway is typically managed for this case. --> ===
*Standard monitors


* Avoid nasal airways due to potential for mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway
===Induction and airway management<!-- Describe the important considerations and general approach to the induction of anesthesia and how the airway is typically managed for this case. -->===


=== Positioning<!-- Describe any unique positioning considerations, including potential intraoperative position changes. If none, this section may be removed. --> ===
*Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred unless there are strict contraindications (eg, patient refusal, inadequate anesthesia with existing epidural in an emergency situation, thrombocytopenia in the setting of pre-eclampsia or HELLP). General anesthesia with volatile anesthetics exposes the mother to the risk of difficult airway secondary to upper airway edema and increased bleeding due to uterine relaxation.
**Elective C-section
***Spinal anesthesia employed with 10-12.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.75% in dextrose), 15 mcg of fentanyl, and 100-200 mcg of morphine.
***If risk factors for prolonged duration of surgery are present such as obesity, prior C-section, or prior abdominal surgery, 5 mcg of epinephrine can be added to the spinal anesthetic dose to prolong duration of blockade.
**Urgent C-section in laboring parturient
***Existing labor epidural should be utilized and dosed with 2% lidocaine for rapid achievement of surgical anesthesia to the level of T4.
****2 mL of bicarbonate and 5 mcg of epinephrine can be added to the lidocaine to speed the onset of action.
****0.5% bupivacaine can also be utilized if there is adequate time for its onset of action (10-15 minutes).
****100 mcg of epidural fentanyl can be administered to increase the density of the block.
***Spinal anesthesia should be attempted if there is sufficient time (stability of fetal heart rate tracing)
**Emergency C-section
***20 mL of 3% chloroprocaine should be administered through an existing epidural catheter to achieve rapid surgical anesthesia (roughly 8 minutes to peak effect)
***General anesthesia should be employed if surgical anesthesia cannot be obtained with an existing epidural or if there is no epidural in place.
****RSI with propofol and succinylcholine (etomidate if concern for cardiovascular instability).
****Smaller ETT size generally used (6.0-6.5) due to concern for maternal airway edema in the setting of labor.
****Sevoflurane used for maintenance of anesthesia initially and 70% nitrous oxide in 30% oxygen after delivery of the fetus to reduce the amount of sevoflurane (which has a higher tendency to produce tocolysis and increase bleeding). Opiates (eg, hydromorphone) can be administered after delivery of the fetus.
*Avoid nasal airways due to potential for mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway
 
===Positioning<!-- Describe any unique positioning considerations, including potential intraoperative position changes. If none, this section may be removed. -->===


* Left lateral tilt (15<sup>o</sup>) to avoid aortocaval compression and supine hypotension.
* Left lateral tilt (15<sup>o</sup>) to avoid aortocaval compression and supine hypotension.


=== Maintenance and surgical considerations<!-- Describe the important considerations and general approach to the maintenance of anesthesia, including potential complications. Be sure to include any steps to the surgical procedure that have anesthetic implications. --> ===
===Maintenance and surgical considerations<!-- Describe the important considerations and general approach to the maintenance of anesthesia, including potential complications. Be sure to include any steps to the surgical procedure that have anesthetic implications. -->===


* Anticipate EBL of 700-1000 mL
* Anticipate EBL of 700-1000 mL
** Be prepared for excessive blood loss if underlying risk factors
** Be prepared for excessive blood loss if underlying risk factors
* Immediately post-partum, ~600-800 mL of blood will enter the central circulation (placental autotransfusion), which will increase cardiac output
* Immediately post-partum, ~600-800 mL of blood will enter the central circulation (placental autotransfusion), which will increase cardiac output
* Tranexamic acid 1g administered over 30-60 seconds during the first 3 minutes after birth, and after the uterotonic agent has been administered (e.g. oxytocin) is shown to reduce the incidence of post-operative blood loss > 1000 mL by POD #2 or RBC transfusion<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sentilhes|first=Loïc|last2=Sénat|first2=Marie V.|last3=Le Lous|first3=Maëla|last4=Winer|first4=Norbert|last5=Rozenberg|first5=Patrick|last6=Kayem|first6=Gilles|last7=Verspyck|first7=Eric|last8=Fuchs|first8=Florent|last9=Azria|first9=Elie|last10=Gallot|first10=Denis|last11=Korb|first11=Diane|date=2021-04-29|title=Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Blood Loss after Cesarean Delivery|url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2028788|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|language=en|volume=384|issue=17|pages=1623–1634|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2028788|issn=0028-4793}}</ref>.  
*Tranexamic acid 1g administered over 30-60 seconds during the first 3 minutes after birth, and after the uterotonic agent has been administered (e.g. oxytocin) is shown to reduce the incidence of post-operative blood loss > 1000 mL by POD #2 or RBC transfusion<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sentilhes|first=Loïc|last2=Sénat|first2=Marie V.|last3=Le Lous|first3=Maëla|last4=Winer|first4=Norbert|last5=Rozenberg|first5=Patrick|last6=Kayem|first6=Gilles|last7=Verspyck|first7=Eric|last8=Fuchs|first8=Florent|last9=Azria|first9=Elie|last10=Gallot|first10=Denis|last11=Korb|first11=Diane|date=2021-04-29|title=Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Blood Loss after Cesarean Delivery|url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2028788|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|language=en|volume=384|issue=17|pages=1623–1634|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2028788|issn=0028-4793}}</ref>.
* Start oxytocin 30U in 500mL fluid over 3 hours after clamping of umbilical cord
*Start [[oxytocin]] 30U in 500mL fluid over 3 hours after clamping of umbilical cord
* Monitor for hemodynamic variance after starting oxytocin
*Monitor for hemodynamic variance (e.g. hypotension) after starting oxytocin
* Additional uterotonics may be requested by surgeon if uterine tone is not adequate
*Additional uterotonics may be requested by surgeon if uterine tone is not adequate (e.g. [[methylergonovine]], [[carboprost]], misoprostol)


=== Emergence<!-- List and/or describe any important considerations related to the emergence from anesthesia for this case. --> ===
===Emergence<!-- List and/or describe any important considerations related to the emergence from anesthesia for this case. -->===


== Postoperative management ==
==Postoperative management==


=== Disposition<!-- List and/or describe the postoperative disposition and any special considerations for transport of patients for this case. --> ===
===Disposition<!-- List and/or describe the postoperative disposition and any special considerations for transport of patients for this case. -->===


* L&D PACU
*L&D PACU
* Operating room PACU
*Operating room PACU


=== Pain management<!-- Describe the expected level of postoperative pain and approaches to pain management for this case. --> ===
===Pain management<!-- Describe the expected level of postoperative pain and approaches to pain management for this case. -->===  


* 3-4mg morphine administered via epidural at closure
*Epidural [[morphine]] 1-3mg for long acting post-partum pain relief<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fuller|first=John G.|last2=McMorland|first2=Graham H.|last3=Douglas|first3=M. Joanne|last4=Palmer|first4=Lynne|date=1990-09|title=Epidural morphine for analgesia after Caesarean section: a report of 4880 patients|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/BF03006481|journal=Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia|language=en|volume=37|issue=6|pages=636–640|doi=10.1007/BF03006481|issn=0832-610X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bollag|first=Laurent|last2=Lim|first2=Grace|last3=Sultan|first3=Pervez|last4=Habib|first4=Ashraf S.|last5=Landau|first5=Ruth|last6=Zakowski|first6=Mark|last7=Tiouririne|first7=Mohamed|last8=Bhambhani|first8=Sumita|last9=Carvalho|first9=Brendan|date=2021-05|title=Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology: Consensus Statement and Recommendations for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean|url=https://journals.lww.com/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257|journal=Anesthesia & Analgesia|language=en|volume=132|issue=5|pages=1362–1377|doi=10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257|issn=0003-2999}}</ref>
* IV acetaminophen
*IT morphine 50-150mcg for long acting post-partum pain relief if spinal performed<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bollag|first=Laurent|last2=Lim|first2=Grace|last3=Sultan|first3=Pervez|last4=Habib|first4=Ashraf S.|last5=Landau|first5=Ruth|last6=Zakowski|first6=Mark|last7=Tiouririne|first7=Mohamed|last8=Bhambhani|first8=Sumita|last9=Carvalho|first9=Brendan|date=2021-05|title=Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology: Consensus Statement and Recommendations for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean|url=https://journals.lww.com/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257|journal=Anesthesia & Analgesia|language=en|volume=132|issue=5|pages=1362–1377|doi=10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257|issn=0003-2999}}</ref>
* Ibuprofen PO post-op
*IV [[acetaminophen]]
* ± ketoralac (dependent upon surgeon preference and total blood loss)  
*[[Ibuprofen]] PO post-op
[[Ketorolac]] (dependent upon surgeon preference and total blood loss)
* ± Wound infiltration
* ± Wound infiltration
* ± Transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block (for patients undergoing general anesthesia or neuroaxial without intrathecal opioid administration)
* ± Transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block (for patients undergoing general anesthesia or neuroaxial without intrathecal opioid administration)
* ± Continuous local anesthetic pain pump
*± Continuous local anesthetic pain pump


=== Potential complications<!-- List and/or describe any potential postoperative complications for this case. --> ===
===Potential complications<!-- List and/or describe any potential postoperative complications for this case. -->===


* Ureteral injury
*Ureteral injury
* Post-partum hemorrhage
*Post-partum hemorrhage


== Procedure variants<!-- This section should only be used for cases with multiple approaches (e.g. Laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy). Otherwise, remove this section. Use this table to very briefly compare and contrast various aspects between approaches. Add or remove rows as needed to maximize relevance. Consider using symbols rather than words when possible (e.g. +, –, additional symbols such as ↑ and ↓ are available using the "Ω" tool in the editor). --> ==
==Procedure variants<!-- This section should only be used for cases with multiple approaches (e.g. Laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy). Otherwise, remove this section. Use this table to very briefly compare and contrast various aspects between approaches. Add or remove rows as needed to maximize relevance. Consider using symbols rather than words when possible (e.g. +, –, additional symbols such as ↑ and ↓ are available using the "Ω" tool in the editor). -->==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 153: Line 171:
|Unique considerations
|Unique considerations
|
|
* Decreased BP common with spinal anesthesia
*Decreased BP common with spinal anesthesia
* Given fluid pre-load or co-load
*Given fluid pre-load or co-load
* Be prepared to provide bolus as vasopressors as needed
*Be prepared to provide bolus of
*vasopressors as needed
|
|
* GA normally used with regional technique contraindicated or when there is not enough time to perform a block due to obstetric emergency
*GA normally used when neuraxial contraindicated or when there is not enough time to perform a block due to obstetric emergency


* Rapid sequence induction (RSI)
*Rapid sequence induction (RSI)
|-
|-
|Position
|Position
Line 182: Line 201:
|-
|-
|Potential complications
|Potential complications
|[[Post-dural-puncture headache]]
|
|
|
*Aspiration
* Aspiration  
*Difficult Airway
* Difficult Airway
|}
|}


== References ==
==References==


[[Category:Surgical procedures]]
[[Category:Surgical procedures]]
[[Category:Obstetric and gynecologic surgery]]
[[Category:Obstetric and gynecologic surgery]]
<references />

Latest revision as of 11:08, 29 September 2022

Cesarean section
Anesthesia type

Neuraxial or general

Airway

ETT if general

Lines and access

Large bore IV x2

Monitors

Standard Fetal heart rate monitor

Primary anesthetic considerations
Preoperative

Full stomach precautions Aspiration prophylaxis Left lateral tilt

Intraoperative

Have uterotonics available

Postoperative
Article quality
Editor rating
Comprehensive
User likes
2

A cesarean section (also known as C-section or cesarean delivery ) is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the uterus. C-sections are typically performed when a vaginal delivery would put the mother or baby at risk. Often women who have had a cesarean delivery will have a subsequent or repeat cesarean delivery to prevent the possibility of uterine rupture during labor. In the USA, about 32% of deliveries are via Cesarean section[1], and worldwide the figure is approximately 21%.[2]

Preoperative management

Patient evaluation

System Considerations
Neurologic
  • Seizures or cerebrovascular accident in patients who progress to eclampsia
Cardiovascular
  • Pregnant patients typically have decreased systemic vascular resistance, decreased diastolic pressure, decreased MAP, increased HR, and increased CO.
  • Left uterine tilt to minimize aortocaval compression[3]
  • Evaluate for pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
Pulmonary
  • Pregnant patients typically have compensated respiratory alkalosis, increased minute ventilation, decreased FRC, and increased oxygen consumption.
  • Decreased FRC and increased O2 consumption results in rapid desaturation if ventilation is compromised.
  • Atelectasis can occur secondary to an elevated diaphragm, thereby causing V/Q mismatch and decreased PaO2.
  • Increased MV and decreased FRC increase uptake of inhalation agents.
  • Mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway may necessitate smaller endotracheal tube.
Gastrointestinal / Hepatic
  • Increased gastric pressure
  • Decreased esophageal sphincter tone
  • Decreased gastric motility
  • Full stomach precautions
  • Risk for aspiration
  • Liver enzymes may be mildly elevated
    • Check for HELLP
Hematologic
  • Increased RBC mass, plasma volume, and blood volume
  • Leukocytosis
  • Iron deficiency anemia + dilutional anemia of pregnancy
  • Excessive blood loss possible with uterine atony, multiple gestation, previous C-section, placental pregnancy, placental abruption, pregnancy induced hypertension, or prolonged labor.
  • Pregnancy is associated with a hypercoagulable state as a way to blunt the blood loss anticipated during delivery, however, this physiologic adaptation predisposes them to DVT/PE formation.
Renal
  • Increased renal blood flow, GFR, and creatinine clearance
  • Decreased serum creatinine and BUN
  • Dependent edema secondary to increased water and sodium retention
Other

Labs and studies

  • T&S
  • T&C only if significant blood loss anticipated
  • Coagulation panel
  • Chemistry panel
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Other tests as indicated by H&P

Operating room setup

Patient preparation and premedication

  • Full stomach precautions typically employed if the mother has been laboring prior to cesarean section. There is some controversy regarding whether non-laboring parturients (eg, elective C-section) should be considered "full stomachs".
  • Nonparticulate oral antacid (e.g. sodium citrate) immediately prior to general or regional anesthesia.
  • Intravenous promotility agent (eg. 10 mg metoclopramide given over 5-10 minutes). Patients may experience akathisia if given too rapidly.
  • Intravenous antacids (e.g. ranitidine, famotidine). Onset of action 30 minutes.
  • Anxiolysis (benzodiazepines or opiates) not typically used unless patient is extremely anxious due to concern for fetal respiratory depression from placental transfer
  • Elevate the right hip to provide left uterine displacement
  • Adjunctive azithromycin 500mg IV to standard beta-lactam antibiotics shown to reduce the incidence in endometriosis and wound infection occurring in the first 6 weeks after Cesarean Section[4].

Regional and neuraxial techniques

  • Epidural, spinal, and combined spinal-epidural (CSE) techniques are all commonly employed
    • Check coagulation and platelets prior to neuraxial anesthesia
  • Post-operative transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block.
  • Post-operative elastomeric pain pumps with local anesthetic may be useful for incisional pain

Intraoperative management

Monitoring and access

  • Standard monitors

Induction and airway management

  • Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred unless there are strict contraindications (eg, patient refusal, inadequate anesthesia with existing epidural in an emergency situation, thrombocytopenia in the setting of pre-eclampsia or HELLP). General anesthesia with volatile anesthetics exposes the mother to the risk of difficult airway secondary to upper airway edema and increased bleeding due to uterine relaxation.
    • Elective C-section
      • Spinal anesthesia employed with 10-12.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.75% in dextrose), 15 mcg of fentanyl, and 100-200 mcg of morphine.
      • If risk factors for prolonged duration of surgery are present such as obesity, prior C-section, or prior abdominal surgery, 5 mcg of epinephrine can be added to the spinal anesthetic dose to prolong duration of blockade.
    • Urgent C-section in laboring parturient
      • Existing labor epidural should be utilized and dosed with 2% lidocaine for rapid achievement of surgical anesthesia to the level of T4.
        • 2 mL of bicarbonate and 5 mcg of epinephrine can be added to the lidocaine to speed the onset of action.
        • 0.5% bupivacaine can also be utilized if there is adequate time for its onset of action (10-15 minutes).
        • 100 mcg of epidural fentanyl can be administered to increase the density of the block.
      • Spinal anesthesia should be attempted if there is sufficient time (stability of fetal heart rate tracing)
    • Emergency C-section
      • 20 mL of 3% chloroprocaine should be administered through an existing epidural catheter to achieve rapid surgical anesthesia (roughly 8 minutes to peak effect)
      • General anesthesia should be employed if surgical anesthesia cannot be obtained with an existing epidural or if there is no epidural in place.
        • RSI with propofol and succinylcholine (etomidate if concern for cardiovascular instability).
        • Smaller ETT size generally used (6.0-6.5) due to concern for maternal airway edema in the setting of labor.
        • Sevoflurane used for maintenance of anesthesia initially and 70% nitrous oxide in 30% oxygen after delivery of the fetus to reduce the amount of sevoflurane (which has a higher tendency to produce tocolysis and increase bleeding). Opiates (eg, hydromorphone) can be administered after delivery of the fetus.
  • Avoid nasal airways due to potential for mucosal capillary engorgement in upper airway

Positioning

  • Left lateral tilt (15o) to avoid aortocaval compression and supine hypotension.

Maintenance and surgical considerations

  • Anticipate EBL of 700-1000 mL
    • Be prepared for excessive blood loss if underlying risk factors
  • Immediately post-partum, ~600-800 mL of blood will enter the central circulation (placental autotransfusion), which will increase cardiac output
  • Tranexamic acid 1g administered over 30-60 seconds during the first 3 minutes after birth, and after the uterotonic agent has been administered (e.g. oxytocin) is shown to reduce the incidence of post-operative blood loss > 1000 mL by POD #2 or RBC transfusion[5].
  • Start oxytocin 30U in 500mL fluid over 3 hours after clamping of umbilical cord
  • Monitor for hemodynamic variance (e.g. hypotension) after starting oxytocin
  • Additional uterotonics may be requested by surgeon if uterine tone is not adequate (e.g. methylergonovine, carboprost, misoprostol)

Emergence

Postoperative management

Disposition

  • L&D PACU
  • Operating room PACU

Pain management

  • Epidural morphine 1-3mg for long acting post-partum pain relief[6][7]
  • IT morphine 50-150mcg for long acting post-partum pain relief if spinal performed[8]
  • IV acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen PO post-op
  • ± Ketorolac (dependent upon surgeon preference and total blood loss)
  • ± Wound infiltration
  • ± Transversus abdominal block (TAP block) or quadratus lumborum block (for patients undergoing general anesthesia or neuroaxial without intrathecal opioid administration)
  • ± Continuous local anesthetic pain pump

Potential complications

  • Ureteral injury
  • Post-partum hemorrhage

Procedure variants

Neuraxial General
Unique considerations
  • Decreased BP common with spinal anesthesia
  • Given fluid pre-load or co-load
  • Be prepared to provide bolus of
  • vasopressors as needed
  • GA normally used when neuraxial contraindicated or when there is not enough time to perform a block due to obstetric emergency
  • Rapid sequence induction (RSI)
Position Left lateral tilt Left lateral tilt
Surgical time 45-90min 30-45min (given emergency delivery indications)
EBL 500-1000mL 500-1000mL
Postoperative disposition L&D PACU L&D or OR PACU
Pain management 4 6
Potential complications Post-dural-puncture headache
  • Aspiration
  • Difficult Airway

References

  1. "FastStats". www.cdc.gov. 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  2. Boerma, Ties; Ronsmans, Carine; Melesse, Dessalegn Y.; Barros, Aluisio J. D.; Barros, Fernando C.; Juan, Liang; Moller, Ann-Beth; Say, Lale; Hosseinpoor, Ahmad Reza; Yi, Mu; Neto, Dácio de Lyra Rabello (2018-10-13). "Global epidemiology of use of and disparities in caesarean sections". The Lancet. 392 (10155): 1341–1348. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31928-7. ISSN 0140-6736. PMID 30322584.
  3. Buley, R. J.; Downing, 4 W.; Brock-Utne, J. G.; Cuerden, C. (1977-10). "Right versus left lateral tilt for Caesarean section". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 49 (10): 1009–1015. doi:10.1093/bja/49.10.1009. ISSN 0007-0912. PMID 921864. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. Tita, Alan T.N.; Szychowski, Jeff M.; Boggess, Kim; Saade, George; Longo, Sherri; Clark, Erin; Esplin, Sean; Cleary, Kirsten; Wapner, Ron; Letson, Kellett; Owens, Michelle (2016-09-29). "Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery". New England Journal of Medicine. 375 (13): 1231–1241. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1602044. ISSN 0028-4793. PMC 5131636. PMID 27682034.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  5. Sentilhes, Loïc; Sénat, Marie V.; Le Lous, Maëla; Winer, Norbert; Rozenberg, Patrick; Kayem, Gilles; Verspyck, Eric; Fuchs, Florent; Azria, Elie; Gallot, Denis; Korb, Diane (2021-04-29). "Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Blood Loss after Cesarean Delivery". New England Journal of Medicine. 384 (17): 1623–1634. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2028788. ISSN 0028-4793.
  6. Fuller, John G.; McMorland, Graham H.; Douglas, M. Joanne; Palmer, Lynne (1990-09). "Epidural morphine for analgesia after Caesarean section: a report of 4880 patients". Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia. 37 (6): 636–640. doi:10.1007/BF03006481. ISSN 0832-610X. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. Bollag, Laurent; Lim, Grace; Sultan, Pervez; Habib, Ashraf S.; Landau, Ruth; Zakowski, Mark; Tiouririne, Mohamed; Bhambhani, Sumita; Carvalho, Brendan (2021-05). "Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology: Consensus Statement and Recommendations for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean". Anesthesia & Analgesia. 132 (5): 1362–1377. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257. ISSN 0003-2999. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. Bollag, Laurent; Lim, Grace; Sultan, Pervez; Habib, Ashraf S.; Landau, Ruth; Zakowski, Mark; Tiouririne, Mohamed; Bhambhani, Sumita; Carvalho, Brendan (2021-05). "Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology: Consensus Statement and Recommendations for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean". Anesthesia & Analgesia. 132 (5): 1362–1377. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257. ISSN 0003-2999. Check date values in: |date= (help)