The mechanics of a Caesar - this had me clutching my previously sectioned tummy!!!

[~mamaspice~]

Okay, so one can be excused for thinking a caesarean section is a simple operation consisting of a nice quick little cut into our abdomen followed by a nice quick little cut into our uterus, the OB lifting out our freshly baked babe, a few stiches or staples and Bob's your uncle. . .
Well thats what the brochures we get handed to read explaining our impending caesareans tell us right?

So, I've been doing some reading and I just had to share what's really going on down there whilst we lay nervously on the operating table. Sorry if it's TMI - if you are really squeemish, don't read on.

Okay, so bypassing the insertion of the IV, catheter and Spinal/epi. The surgeon uses a scalpel to create an incision along your pubic hair line. This exposes the sub-cutaneous tissue which is soon covered with blood from the tiny cut blood vessels. With the scalpel and tweezers the OB cuts further into the sub-cutaneous tissue til he/she reaches a thich layer of fibrous tissue, called the facia which is responsible for holding your muscles and internal organs in place. He cuts through this layer with the scalpel then scrapes and/or pushes your abdominal muscles out of the way. This makes the uterus visible which is covered by a thin layer of tissue called the peritoneum (which covers most of yor internal organs). The peritoneum is lifted off the uterus and an incision is made into it. This exposes the uterus and bladder. Your bladder is peeled away from your uterus so an incision can be made into the lower segment of your uterus. The Ob puts a small cut into the uterus and extends this cut by either putting 2 fingers inside and ripping the incision open or using blunt ended scissors. (lovely)
The Ob then punctures the amniotic sac with toothed forceps and OB proceeds to get baby out.
Once bub and placenta are delivered, the OB quite often sits the uterus outside of the abdominal cavity so it is easier to stitch up. Then bleeding blood vessels are sutured, and the abdominal cavity is cleared of blood and fluid before the uterus is placed back inside. The bladder is sewn back onto the surface of the uterus, the peritoneum is closed, muscles are pushed back into place and are sometimes stitched into place. The facia (the thick fibrous tissue that holds your organs in place) is the most important part to be stitched. This layer is closed using heavy thread and many individual stitches in order to ensure it stops your internal organs from spilling out everywhere.
Finally your skin is closed with sutures or staples.

I found this all very interresting to read. Much more involved than I realised. And is certainly does not sound like the easy way out does it

I don't know about you. But after reading this I am starting to think that the prospect of dealing with a perineal tear or episiotomy with my next babys birth, is starting to seem a little more apealling then having my abdomen all chopped up again.

What are your thoughts???