Circulating During C-sections

Does anybody now of an online source or could recommend a publication that goes over the instruments (ie pictures and corresponding names) used during OB/GYN surgical procedures? Thanks so much!

If there is a copy of Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery in your medical library or in surgery (there should be,) you can look at the instruments as well as learn the procedure step by step, so as to be able to anticipate when the instrument is needed--BEFORE it's even asked for. Pictures of the instruments used can be seen in the chapter called "Gynecologic Surgery and Caesarean birth" or something similar. Just look for any basic gynecologic tray.

The basic instruments are some that you have seen before during delivery, and a couple that you probably haven't, or didn't know the proper names for.

They include bandage scissors, (to cut the cord) curved and straight Mayo scissors, (the straight ones are for cutting suture) Metzenbaum scissors, a DeLee retractor, ring forceps (we usually call them sponge sticks, or, if no sponge is on them, an "empty" sponge stick, Allis clamps, Kocher clamps, a variety of hemostats such as Criles, Kellys, and Peans---and Pennington clamps, which terminate in a little triangle at the base. Don't let anyone tell you they are called Duvals--they are not. The Duval is a lung clamp that has a much bigger triangle. The tray may or may not also have general surgery retractors, such as Richardsons, Army-Navys, and Deavers. The DeLee, however, is the most important one. The MOST important thing to have on your Mayo stand is the bulb syringe, so that it can be handed up as soon as the uterus is opened, as the baby's head will be delivered very quickly!

C-section instrumentation is very easy to learn--the same stuff, every time; never varies. You will be a pro very soon--as they say, see one, do one, teach one!

They may also have online pictures or a C-section tutorial at http://www.acog.org

Thank you so much for your help. I will track down a copy of the mentioned book.

If there is a copy of Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery in your medical library or in surgery (there should be,) you can look at the instruments as well as learn the procedure step by step, so as to be able to anticipate when the instrument is needed--BEFORE it's even asked for. Pictures of the instruments used can be seen in the chapter called "Gynecologic Surgery and Caesarean birth" or something similar. Just look for any basic gynecologic tray.

The basic instruments are some that you have seen before during delivery, and a couple that you probably haven't, or didn't know the proper names for.

They include bandage scissors, (to cut the cord) curved and straight Mayo scissors, (the straight ones are for cutting suture) Metzenbaum scissors, a DeLee retractor, ring forceps (we usually call them sponge sticks, or, if no sponge is on them, an "empty" sponge stick, Allis clamps, Kocher clamps, a variety of hemostats such as Criles, Kellys, and Peans---and Pennington clamps, which terminate in a little triangle at the base. Don't let anyone tell you they are called Duvals--they are not. The Duval is a lung clamp that has a much bigger triangle. The tray may or may not also have general surgery retractors, such as Richardsons, Army-Navys, and Deavers. The DeLee, however, is the most important one. The MOST important thing to have on your Mayo stand is the bulb syringe, so that it can be handed up as soon as the uterus is opened, as the baby's head will be delivered very quickly!

C-section instrumentation is very easy to learn--the same stuff, every time; never varies. You will be a pro very soon--as they say, see one, do one, teach one!

They may also have online pictures or a C-section tutorial at www.acog.org

Drs. usually use different suture, usually the same number of each kind for each case. Have extra in the room. A suction cup may be used to aid in the extraction of the head from the uterus, that also needs to be available. You will probably never se a raytex sponge off a sponge stick during a C-Section, only lap sponges or lap tapes, some moist some dry. Different institutions and Drs. may use different instruments in some cases, remember only a few are used, so it is easy to remember. Everyting of course is counted before, during and closing of each layer of tissue including the end. It is a joyful surgery to be a part of. Guessing how much the baby weighs is part of the fun and hearing the first cry is very rewarding. Enjoy and good luck!