title: Fetal laceration during caesarean section and its medico-legal sequelae.
abstract: Fetal laceration is a recognized complication of caesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, type, location, risk factors and long-term consequences of accidental fetal incised wounds during caesarean delivery. During a five-year period, we observed 25 cases of fetal lacerations caused by the scalpel during hysterotomy. In 20 of these cases, we observed these lesions as consultants for the Neonatologic Care Unit; the other five cases came under our care after an insurance claim for damages against the gynaecologist. All the infants had a lesion located to the head. In only 5 of the 25 cases the lesion was reported in the operative summary, and only 16 of the 25 mothers had signed an informed consent before surgery. With regard to the 20 cases diagnosed at the Neonatologic Care Unit, the lesion was closed using single stitches in nine cases, and with biological glue in 11 cases. Concerning the five cases that underwent legal proceedings against the gynaecologist, a clinical examination was performed by an expert in Public Health and Social Security in collaboration with a paediatric surgeon to evaluate the degree of biological damage. In all five cases, the result of the legal challenge was monetary compensation for the physical and moral damage caused by the gynaecologists to the patients and their parents. Accidental fetal lesions may occur during caesarean delivery; the incidence is significantly higher during emergency caesarean delivery compared to elective procedures. Patients should sign an informed consent in which they should be informed about the risk of the occurrence of fetal lacerations during caesarean delivery in order to avoid legal complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy ciroespo@unina.it.
authors.forename: Ciro
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Escolino
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Social Security, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paternoster
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Social Security, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buccelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Social Security, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Social Security, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falco
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alicchio
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Mariapina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cerulo
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Settimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Savanelli
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology*; D035881:Compensation and Redress / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D022125:Lacerations / Q000209:etiology*; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011247:Pregnancy; D049188:Prenatal Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries
keywords: Fetal lacerations; caesarean delivery; complications; medico-legal problems