Cesarean birth in the morbidly obese woman: a report of 3 cases.
BACKGROUND
Primary and repeat cesarean births are a frequent occurrence among morbidly obese women. Technical difficulties encountered in caring for these patients, coupled with physiologic differences, affect their operative management.


METHODS
Three morbidly obese women (190-296 kg, body mass index 56.7-93.6) had cesarean births utilizing a supraumbilical incision and internal retention abdominal wall closures. Alternative anesthetic management was required in 2 patients. Bariatric operative and postoperative equipment was required in each case, and varying thromboprophylaxis strategies were employed.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful planning along with appropriate specialty consultation is required for a safe and successful cesarean birth in the morbidly obese woman.
Porreco
Richard P
RP
Department of Obstetrics, Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, Denver, USA. richard_porreco@pediatrix.com
Adelberg
Amy M
AM
Lindsay
L Gregory
LG
Holdt
David G
DG
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000601:surgery