What are the steps to perform a cesarean section (C-section)?

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Last updated: April 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

I strongly advise against attempting to learn or perform cesarean delivery through videos, as this major surgical procedure requires extensive medical education, supervised training, and clinical experience to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Cesarean delivery is a complex procedure that involves making incisions through the abdomen and uterus, and carries significant risks including bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding organs 1. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery emphasize the importance of proper training and adherence to evidence-based protocols to minimize complications and improve outcomes 1.

Some key recommendations for cesarean delivery include:

  • Administering intravenous antibiotics within 60 minutes before the skin incision to reduce the risk of postoperative infections 1
  • Using chlorhexidine-alcohol for abdominal skin cleansing and considering vaginal preparation with povidine-iodine solution to reduce postcesarean infections 1
  • Implementing regional anesthesia as the preferred method of anesthesia for cesarean delivery as part of an enhanced recovery protocol 1
  • Preventing intraoperative hypothermia through appropriate patient monitoring and the use of warming devices 1

If you're a medical professional seeking educational resources on cesarean techniques, I recommend accessing materials through accredited medical education platforms, attending surgical workshops, or pursuing formal training programs in obstetrics and gynecology. Attempting to learn or perform this procedure without proper qualifications could result in severe harm or death to both mother and baby.

From the Research

Availability of Videos on Cesarean Delivery

  • There are no direct videos provided in the given studies on how to perform a cesarean delivery.
  • However, the study 2 mentions that a training program for technical and non-technical skills in cesarean section should include "theoretical instruction, video tutorials, practical experience and direct supervision", indicating the importance of video tutorials in learning cesarean delivery techniques.

Educational Strategies for Cesarean Delivery

  • The study 2 discusses the importance of determining trainees' technical skills level and assessing their surgical technical skills using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS).
  • It also recommends that trainees perform between 10-15 and 40 supervised cesarean sections before operating independently.
  • The study 3 provides evidence-based cesarean techniques, including antibiotic prophylaxis, bladder flap formation, and management of uterine repair and closure of the peritoneum and skin.

Complications and Risks Associated with Cesarean Delivery

  • The study 4 discusses the complications and risks associated with cesarean delivery, including maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, pain, endomyometritis, wound separation/infection, and deep venous thrombosis.
  • The study 5 highlights the role of the anesthesiologist in preventing severe maternal morbidity and mortality during cesarean delivery.
  • The study 6 discusses the ethical obligations of an obstetrician to a patient who requests a cesarean delivery without maternal or fetal indication during labor.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Educational strategies in performing cesarean section.

Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 2013

Research

Evidence-based cesarean technique.

Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 2010

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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