Cesarean Section in Cattle: A Review

Cesarean section is one of the oldest surgical procedure performed on cows for delivery of the fetus at parturition. Depending upon the health status of dam and fetus cesarean section has been classified as emergency, non emphysematous and emphysematous procedure. The common maternal indications for performing cesarean section include pelvic fractures, cervical dilation failure and uncorrectable uterine torsion whereas the fetal indication include oversized fetuses and maldisposed calves. Many anesthetic protocols are available for cow however, most cesarean section in cattle can be satisfactorily performed under mild sedation and local infiltration anesthesia using 2% lidocaine. Operative sites for cesarean section in cattle include right and left flank, midline, paramedian, parammary and oblique ventrolateral. The choice of operative sites depends upon facility and patient condition. Peri-operative (before, during and after the operation) care appears to be of utmost significance, post-operative complications of cesarean section include peritonitis, seroma formation, hernia and poor fertility. On the successful outcome of cesarean section in cows in terms of dam and calf survival and future fertility of cows underdoing cesarean section. Previous handling, delay in presentation to referral centers results in poor outcome and thus animal owners must be explained the benefits of prompt presentation of cow to cesarean section for optimal benefits.

Reliability of ultrasound versus digital vaginal examination in detecting cervical dilatation during labor: a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review

Background This systematic review aimed to investigate the reliability of ultrasound method compared with digital vaginal examinations in detecting cervical dilation. Methods We searched Cochrane (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science Core Collection, Trip Database, PubMed, DARE and NHS EED, HTA, and PROSPERO. Ten observational studies with a total sample size of 856 were included in the meta-analysis. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranged between 0.21 and 0.69. The fixed-effect models for the ultrasound test showed an average of ICC (r = 0.32 (95% CI 0.26–0.38). Correlation between two methods was poor (r = 0.359, 95% CI 0.26–0.44). In nulliparous and multigravida participants the correlation between ultrasound measurements and digital examinations was (r = 0.349, 95% CI 0.25–0.43) and ICC (r = 0.676, 95% CI 0.419–0.833), respectively. Conclusion Trans-perineal ultrasonography seems to be a reliable method for assessing labor progression in multigravida women, but its usage in nulliparous women needs further studies.

The Effect of Labor Dance on Traumatic Childbirth Perception and Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study aims to evaluate the effect of labor dance on traumatic childbirth perception and comfort. This is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study was conducted with 120 primiparous pregnant women (60 in experiment group, 60 in control group). The pregnant women in the experiment group performed labor dance with the researcher midwife during the active phase of labor. The researcher implemented the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ) when the cervical dilation was 8 cm. The Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS) and Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale (TCPS) were implemented almost 2 hours after giving birth. The scores of the women in the experiment group in TCPS were significantly lower than those in the control group while their mean scores in CCQ and PCS were significantly higher. Labor dance contributed to the women’s more positive childbirth experiences, perceptions of childbirth as less traumatic, and increased their comfort levels.