Name of the Procedure:

Cesarean Delivery Only, Following Attempted Vaginal Delivery After Previous Cesarean Delivery (Commonly referred to as "C-Section after TOLAC" or "Repeat Cesarean after Failed VBAC")

Summary

A Cesarean delivery, often known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This specific procedure is performed when a vaginal birth attempt after a previous C-section (Trial of Labor After Cesarean, TOLAC) is unsuccessful.

Purpose

This procedure addresses situations where a vaginal delivery (VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) is attempted but complications arise that necessitate a surgical birth. The goal is to ensure the safe delivery of the baby and the health of the mother.

Indications

• Failure to progress in labor.
• Fetal distress.
• Uterine rupture or risk thereof.
• Maternal medical conditions that necessitate a quick delivery.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for 8 hours before the surgery.
• Preoperative blood tests.
• IV line insertion for medications and fluids.
• Discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure with the healthcare team.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The patient is brought to the operating room and given regional (epidural or spinal) anesthesia to numb the lower body, or general anesthesia if necessary.
2. Incision: An incision is made in the lower abdomen, usually horizontally just above the pubic hairline.
3. Delivery: The surgeon makes a second incision in the uterus. The baby is then delivered through these incisions.
4. Placenta Removal: After the baby is delivered, the placenta is removed from the uterus.
5. Closure: The uterine incision is stitched up, followed by the abdominal incision.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Obstetrician/Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Pediatrician or neonatal specialist (for the baby)

Risks and Complications

• Infection.
• Blood loss and need for transfusion.
• Injury to surrounding organs.
• Blood clots.
• Adhesions and future pregnancy complications.

Benefits

• Safely delivering the baby when a vaginal birth cannot proceed.
• Reduced risk of complications associated with prolonged labor or fetal distress.
• Usually immediate realization of benefit as the baby is delivered safely.

Recovery

• Hospital stay of 3 to 4 days.
• Pain management through medication.
• Instructions for wound care.
• Avoid heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Alternatives

• Reattempted vaginal delivery, though this may pose heightened risks depending on the situation.
• Elective repeat cesarean delivery before labor begins.
• The choice of alternative depends on the specifics of the patient's medical history and current situation.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Patient is awake with regional anesthesia, may feel pressure but no pain, or asleep under general anesthesia.
• Post-procedure: Pain and discomfort managed with medication, hospital stay for monitoring, and support with breastfeeding and newborn care.