Extraperitoneal cesarean surgery is a procedure that dates before the antibiotics were available. At the time, its advantage was decreased morbidity and risk of infection by avoiding opening the peritoneal sac. Because this procedure is more difficult to perform; it was abandoned for the more traditional cesarean section technique. However, there are some instances where this technique is still useful today. Only a small number of OBGYNs across the nation are trained and qualified to safely perform the operation, among which is our very own Dr. Sayegh. Read on to find out if you might be a candidate for this procedure.
Common Forms of Cesarean Surgery: Classic and Low
In a classic cesarean surgery, a doctor makes an incision through the mother’s lower abdomen. A second incision is made in the uterus from which the baby is removed. Alternatively, a low cervical cesarean section is a procedure in which a baby is delivered through a transverse incision in the thin supracervical part of the lower uterine segment, an area located behind the bladder and the bladder flap. Compared to a classical cesarean section, the incision made in a low cervical cesarean section bleeds less during surgery and heals with a stronger scar.
What is Extraperitoneal Cesarean Surgery?
In an extraperitoneal cesarean surgery, an incision is made in the lower uterine segment that does not require entering the peritoneal cavity. With this method, the uterus is approached through the paravesical space and the baby, placenta, and membranes are all removed via the uterus incision.
What are the Benefits of Extraperitoneal Cesarean Surgery?
While cesarean surgery is often necessary for situations in which a natural birth is not possible, such as complications with the placenta, multiple births, or a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure, there are still risks involved for mothers and babies with any surgical approach. One of the most significant concerns is that of infection. Cesarean surgeries are by their nature, invasive which causes a risk of infection. The extraperitoneal cesarean surgery method helps to minimize the risk of an infection spreading from the uterus into the peritoneal cavity. Keeping the peritoneum intact prevents the spread of infection.
With this less invasive approach, other advantages include less pain and a faster recovery. Patients experience no nausea, and reduced post-surgical pain and discomfort, which allows for a more comfortable healing process for the new mother. Also, there is reduced possible trauma to the bladder with this procedure.
Who are the Best Candidates for this Procedure?
Not everyone is a candidate for this type of surgery. So who would benefit from an extraperitoneal cesarean? Typically, this procedure would be best for a patient with infection during labor, such as chorioamnionitis, a patient with previous bowel surgeries or bowel obstruction, and patients with known adhesions.
We are proud to provide our patients with the very best in treatment methods to help ensure a new generation of Western New York babies is brought into this world safely. For women who may require a cesarean section, your OBGYN will help you determine if an extraperitoneal cesarean is right for you.
If you have questions about Extraperitoneal Cesarean Surgery available from our practice, and whether it may be appropriate for you, contact us today.
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When the Days are Darker, Shorter, and Colder, What Can You Do to Boost Your Mood?
On December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice, Buffalo will receive only about nine hours of daylight. The average high temperature in December is about 36 degrees, with a low of 24, and we accumulate about 27 inches of snow. In a month that brings such dark, cold, snowy days that it can be easy to sigh, sit on the couch, and adopt the mantra of, “I’ll be inside binge watching Netflix until Spring.”
Winter months don’t have to result in your seasonal hibernation, however. If cold, dark days leave you feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and unhappy, it’s time to change your perspective on winter and learn how to become the master of your mood. Here are eight tips to help you beat the winter blues this year.
- Stay Active. It may not feel as motivating to go for a long walk on a winter day as it does during the summer, but bundle up and head outside when the sun’s out, and you’ll benefit from exposure to much-needed sunlight, and endorphin-boosting exercise. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Winter sun can damage your skin too.
- Start a Project or a New Hobby. Once the holidays are over, your calendar may be pretty open, and without weekend trips to the lake to look forward to, you may find you have extra time on your hands. Rather than spend that time watching Netflix or college basketball all winter, try a new hobby or start a project. Maybe it’s finally time to try skiing (which gets you active, outdoors, and exposed to sunlight), or repaint your guest room.
- Stay Warm. Being warm is a mood booster. While you may not have much control over the office thermostat, keep your home heated to a comfortable temperature, and warm your body from the inside out with warm foods and beverages, like healthy soups and decaffeinated teas.
- Don’t Let Your Diet Suffer. You may naturally feel more motivated to eat healthy during the summer when weekly trips to your local farmer’s market send you home with fresh fruits and veggies, but you have to keep the diet drive alive in winter too. While you may be more tempted to reach for high-calorie comfort food on cold days, make sure you’re fueling your body with healthy foods to keep your energy up.
- Sing a Song. Music has been proven to help improve one’s mood. On days when you’re just not feeling motivated, or when your daily commute through the snow has you on edge, pump your favorite tunes and sing along.
- Seek Exposure to Artificial Light. A light box or UV lamp that is designed to produce mood-boosting vitamin D rays has been scientifically proven to help boost your mood. These devices are inexpensive and are particularly helpful for those who work long hours indoors, or who experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder often triggered in the winter.
- Stay Social. A simple way to boost your mood in the winter is to surround yourself with people who make you happy. Make sure you’re spending time with family and friends during the winter. When winter driving can be unpredictable, it can be easy to cancel plans, or not make them in the first place. Make an effort to get out of the house and spend time with your loved ones. You’ll all benefit from time together doing activities you enjoy. Volunteering is another way to stay active, interact with your community, and give you a reason to smile.
- Get Out of Town. It may seem like cheating, but planning a vacation to somewhere warm and sunny during winter months can give you a temporary break from the monotony of winter and help you push through the rest of the season when you come home.
Talk to Your Doctor.
If you feel like nothing you’ve tried helps you improve your mood or keep you motivated during the winter, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with more complex forms of SAD and depression. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor. He/she can diagnose a more serious condition, and put a treatment plan in place to help you conquer your mood once and for all.
And remember depression might be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or postpartum depression or a Vitamin D deficiency. The team of physicians at Chouchani, Sayegh and Robinson MD are here to help diagnose any conditions and discuss treatment options. Give us a call today.
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February 14th is not the only day this month that we should wear red and think about our hearts. February is American Heart Health Month, an important initiative started by the American Heart Association to encourage men and women across the nation to focus on the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. Women in particular face serious risks for heart disease, heart attack, and other heart-related illnesses. This February, celebrate Heart Health Month by learning these important tips for reducing your risk of heart disease, and for staying healthy for your loved ones, this month and always.
If you smoke, quit.
According to the American Heart Association, smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke in women by two to four times. Women who smoke also have a 25 percent higher risk of developing heart disease compared to men.
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates puts women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that makes adults two to four times more likely to develop heart disease or stroke.
Control your blood pressure.
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, because it can sneak up on you quickly with deadly consequences. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than normal. If not treated, it can damage and scar arteries, which puts women at risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Manage your cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fat-like material that builds in body and blood cells. Overtime, if not properly managed, cholesterol that builds up in the inner walls of the arteries hardens and turns to plaque. This plaque narrows the artery walls, making it difficult for blood to pass freely. In the most severe cases, blockages in the arteries can form which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Adults, especially women, who carry an unhealthy and excessive amount of body weight put themselves at greater risk for heart-related health complications. Carrying too much weight can strain your heart, and lead to high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and can put you at risk of diabetes—all risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Stay active.
Maintaining an active lifestyle can help manage several of the risk factors listed above. Being active can help you maintain a strong, healthy heart, maintain a healthy weight, lower your risk of diabetes, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Eat a healthy diet.
Staying active and eating healthy go hand-in-hand. You can reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy diet full of healthy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and grains. A healthy diet will help you maintain your weight, lowering your risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ultimately, heart disease.
Remember, you are in control of your heart health. You don’t have to be a victim of a dangerous health incident. It’s never too late to start taking control of your heart health by making changes that will lower your risks. We recommend starting this February. Happy Heart Health Month from all of us at Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, MD!
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