A caesarean section, or C-section, is a major surgical procedure that is performed when a vaginal delivery is not possible or is not recommended. During a C-section, the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
At the beginning of a C-section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. These layers are the skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, peritoneum, uterine muscle, and the amniotic sac.
The first layer to be cut is the skin. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision that is usually about 15 centimeters long. This incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The skin is then opened and the underlying fat layer is cut.
The fat layer is then cut to reveal the fascia, which is a tough layer of connective tissue. The fascia is then cut to reveal the peritoneum, which is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity.
The peritoneum is then cut to reveal the uterine muscle. This layer is cut to allow the surgeon to access the baby. The amniotic sac is then cut to allow the baby to be delivered.
Once the baby is delivered, the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching. The first layer of stitches is placed deep within the uterus and the second layer is placed on the outside of the uterus. This double layer of stitching helps to ensure that the uterus is securely closed.
In summary, during a C-section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. These layers are the skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, peritoneum, uterine muscle, and the amniotic sac. Once the baby is delivered, the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.