Types of Caesarean incisions

Types of Caesarean incisions. There are 3 types of incisions that can be used to perform a Caesarean birth. These are:

	A low, transverse or horizontal incision, in the lower segment of the uterus. This is referred to a Lower Segment Caesarean Section (or LSCS).
	A vertical incision made higher up the middle of the uterus into the upper segment of the uterus. This is referred to as a Classical Caesarean (or CS).
	A low vertical incision, in the lower segment of the uterus, which can be extended into a classical incision into the upper segment if necessary.

Lower Segment Caesarean Section (or LSCS)
Classical Caesarean
Low vertical Caesarean

A 'Lower Segment Caesarean Section' (or LSCS) is currently the most preferred technique used to deliver babies. This is because the lower segment of the uterus, when compared to the upper segment of the uterus is:

	Thinner, less muscular and has less blood supply, therefore has minimal blood loss when it is cut.
	Structured in a way that after it is sutured heals with less scar tissue.
	Less involved in uterine contractions with future labours, decreasing any chance of the suture line splitting (or 'rupturing') with a subsequent pregnancy and labour.
	Situated away from the woman's intestines, reducing the chances of complications such as infecting the woman's abdomen and causing scar tissue forming between the abdominal organs (known as 'adhesions').

Image 9-02shows where the horizontal incision is made in the lower segment of the uterus.

A 'Classical Caesarean' tends to only be used in certain circumstances.

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