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.

Torsion In A Complete Bicorporeal Gravid Uterus: A Case Report

PurposeBicorporeal uterus has a prevalence of 0.3% and can have significant implications in pregnancy. We encountered a patient in her third pregnancy with a bicorporeal uterus, having had two previous caesarean sections. This pregnancy was in the left hemi-uteri which was damaged during her previous delivery. We discuss the antenatal and intraoperative considerations undertaken. We also share her antenatal imaging and intraoperative photos of her pelvic anatomy.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed revealing that uterine torsion in the context of a bicorporeal uterus in pregnancy is a rarely documented occurrence. We used the patient’s electronic obstetric notes for all her pregnancies as well as the computerised records of her imaging. Her caesarean section was electively planned and led by two experienced obstetric consultants and a senior registrar. Postnatally she was contacted for permission to publish the images from her scans and caesarean section. ResultsHer previous obstetric history was important and allowed a high index of suspicion for obstetric complications. Prediction of surgical complexities on antenatal screening and imaging was important in her case. Finally anticipation of possible intraoperative complications allowed for pre-operative planning. ConclusionThis case encompassing a series of learning points and surgical tips which has educational value as well as clinical interest. In the presence of a uterine abnormality, placental complications, extensions of incisions and vascular injury should be anticipated. A safe incision site must be identified before entering the uterine cavity. Therefore involvement of senior clinicians is essential.

Uterine torsion with scoliosis

A differential diagnosis of sudden abdominal pain with scoliosis indicates uterine torsion, a rare condition in clinical practice.