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Am J Perinatol 2019; 36(03): 277-284
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667370
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Standardized Approach to Cesarean Surgical Technique and Its Effect on Operative Time and Surgical Morbidity

M. Pallister
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
J. Ballas
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
J. Kohn
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
C. S. Eppes
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
M. Belfort
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
C. Davidson
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

30 October 2017

26 June 2018

Publication Date:
06 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the impact of a standardized surgical technique for primary cesarean deliveries (CDs) on operative time and surgical morbidity.

Materials and Methods Two-year retrospective chart review of primary CD performed around the implementation of a standardized CD surgical technique. The primary outcome was total operative time (TOT). Secondary outcomes included incision-to-delivery time (ITDT), surgical site infection, blood loss, and maternal and fetal injuries.

Results When comparing pre- versus postimplementation surgical times, there was no significant difference in TOT (76.5 vs. 75.9 minutes, respectively; p = 0.42) or ITDT (9.8 vs. 8.8 minutes, respectively; p = 0.06) when the entire cohort was analyzed. Subgroup analysis of CD performed early versus late in an academic year among the pre- and postimplementation groups showed no significant difference in TOT (79.3 early vs. 73.8 minutes late; p = 0.10) or ITDT (10.8 early vs. 8.8 minutes late; p = 0.06) within the preimplementation group. In the postimplementation group, however, there was significant decrease in TOT (80.5 early vs. 71.3 minutes late; p = 0.02) and ITDT (10.6 early vs. 6.8 minutes late; p < 0.01). Secondary outcomes were similar for both groups.

Conclusion A standardized surgical technique combined with surgical experience can decrease TOT and ITDT in primary CD without increasing maternal morbidity.

Keywords

standardized surgical technique - primary cesarean delivery - total operative time - incision-to-delivery time
 

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