Obstetric surgery involves surgical procedures performed on pregnant women, focusing on managing labor, delivery, and postpartum complications, including C-sections, forceps deliveries, and repair of lacerations. These urgent or planned procedures, such as cervical cerclage and manual placental removal, ensure maternal and fetal safety.
Common Obstetric Surgical Procedures :
Cesarean Section : Surgical birth of a baby via abdominal incision, often performed for obstructed labor, fetal distress, or breech presentation.
Cervical Cerclage (McDonald/Shirodkar) : A stitch placed around the cervix to prevent premature birth.
Manual Placenta Removal: A procedure conducted when the placenta does not deliver automatically after the baby.
Peripartum Hysterectomy : An emergency procedure to stop severe postpartum hemorrhage.
Repair of Perineal Lacerations: Surgical repair of tears in the genital tract during child birth.
Instrumental Delivery: The use of forceps or vacuum extraction to assist with vaginal delivery.
Obstetric Uterine Artery Embolization: Technique to stop severe, uncontrollable uterine bleeding.
Key Aspects of Obstetric Care :
Timing : Most interventions are "peridelivery," occurring just before, during, or shortly after birth.
Risks : Complications often involve high-stakes situations requiring rapid decision-making, such as obstetric hemorrhage or obstructed labor.
Focus : Unlike gynecology, which treats the female reproductive system generally, obstetric surgery focuses explicitly on pregnancy-related conditions and the health of the mother and fetus.
Does an obstetrician do surgery?
Both obstetricians and gynecologists may prescribe drugs or perform surgery to treat a patient. Most OB/GYN's, however, choose to practice both obstetrics and gynecology, and many OB/GYN's act as primary care physicians.
Why do men want to be gynecologists?
Men become gynecologists for the same professional and personal reasons as women: to provide comprehensive care for women's health, perform surgery, and participate in childbirth. They are often drawn to the blend of long-term patient relationships (from adolescence to menopause) and the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of obstetrics and surgery.
Which is better, a gynecologist or an obstetrician?
Obstetricians offer health services for prenatal care, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecologists focus on menstrual disorders, infections, cancers, and treatments relating to fertility. Explore our specialized gynecology care service for women to know more.
Can a gynaecologist do surgery?
When we think of gynecologists, we often associate them with routine check-ups, Pap smears, and prenatal care. While these are crucial aspects of their practice, many patients are surprised to learn that gynecologists can also perform surgeries.