| Resuscitative hysterotomy | |
|---|---|
 A baby being removed from its dying mother's womb. Reproduction of woodcut, 1483. | |
| Other names | Perimortem Caesarean section |
| eMedicine | 83059 |
A resuscitative hysterotomy, also referred to as a perimortem Caesarean section (PMCS) or perimortem Caesarean delivery (PMCD), is a hysterotomy performed to resuscitate a woman in middle to late pregnancy who has entered cardiac arrest.[1] Combined with a laparotomy, the procedure results in a Caesarean section that removes the fetus, thereby abolishing the aortocaval compression caused by the pregnant uterus.[1] This improves the mother's chances of return of spontaneous circulation, and may potentially also deliver a viable neonate.[1] The procedure may be performed by obstetricians, emergency physicians or surgeons depending on the situation.[2][3]
- ^ a b c Rose CH, Faksh A, Traynor KD, Cabrera D, Arendt KW, Brost BC (November 2015). "Challenging the 4- to 5-minute rule: from perimortem cesarean to resuscitative hysterotomy". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 213 (5). Elsevier (published 26 July 2015): 653–6, 653.e1. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.07.019. PMID 26212180.
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