Table of Contents

Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Parturition

• Parturition
• Birth Canal (Passageway)
• Uterus
• Passenger (Foetus)
• Mechanism and Physiopathology of Parturition

Section 2: Diagnosis

• Diagnosis in Clinical Obstetrics
• Partograph

Section 3: Caesarean Section and Management

• Indications for Caesarean Section Outside Labour
• Indications for Caesarean Section During Labour
• Trial of Labour
• Preparing for the Operation
• Anaesthesia
• Laparotomies
• The Various Types of Hysterotomy—Criteria of Choice
• Transverse Hysterotomies
• Vertical Hysterotomies
• Management of Intraoperative Complications
• Tubal Sterilization
• Abdominal Wall Closure
• Perimortem and Postmortem Caesarean Delivery
• Uterine Rupture
• Monitoring Caesarean Section: Postoperative Recovery
• Complications of the Laparotomic Wound Suture
• Postcaesarean Wound Dehiscence
• Obstructed Labour Injury Complex
• The Newborn

Section 4: Alternatives to Caesarean Section

• Version—Breech Presentation, Transverse and Oblique Lies
• Symphysiotomy–Vacuum Extraction (Foetus Alive–Head Engaged)
• Destructive Operations—A Vanishing Art in Modern Obstetrics

About the Author

Erik Domini MD FCOG
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ospedale St. Spirito, Nizza Monferrato, Italy; Father Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Uganda

Sara Guazzini MD FCOG
Former Registrar

Monica Guidi MD FCOG
Former Registrar

Stefano Vicentini MD
Medical Superintendent

All at Department of Obstetrics, St Kizito Hospital, Matany, Uganda