The Visual Guide to
Porcine Reproduction
Obstetrics: Cesarean Section
![Controlling Bleeders.](images/po00145.jpg)
Controlling Bleeders.
Hemorrhage is controlled by ligating the major blood vessels and temporarily clamping the smaller ones.
Prado TM (2007)
![Peritoneal Fluid.](images/po00147.jpg)
Peritoneal Fluid.
As the peritoneum is incised, it is common in pregnant sows that peritoneal fluid is released.
Prado TM (2007)
![Uterine Incision.](images/po00149.jpg)
Uterine Incision.
The uterine wall including the diffuse placenta are gently incised over one of the fetuses.
Prado TM (2007)
![Extracting a Fetus.](images/po00150.jpg)
Extracting a Fetus.
The surgeon reaches into the lumen of the uterus to locate a fetus.
Prado TM (2007)
![Delivering a Fetus.](images/po00276.jpg)
Delivering a Fetus.
The surgeon lifts a fetus out of the incision during a Cesarean Section. The umbilical cord is still attached.
Evans LE (2009)
![Reaching for the Next Fetus.](images/po00152.jpg)
Reaching for the Next Fetus.
The next fetus is delivered via the same uterine incision. Generally, one uterine incision is required per horn.
Prado TM (2007)
![Uterine Closure.](images/po00154.jpg)
Uterine Closure.
The uterine incision is closed with a modified Cushing's pattern (the Utrecht pattern).
Prado TM (2007)
![Live Neonates.](images/po00156.jpg)
Live Neonates.
The live neonates are dried off and placed in a draft free environment.
Prado TM (2007)
![Oxygen Administration.](images/po00157.jpg)
Oxygen Administration.
Neonates with a heartbeat but poor respiratory efforts are given supplemental oxygen via the nares.
Prado TM (2007)
![Dehiscence after C-section.](images/po00016.jpg)
Dehiscence after C-section.
Dehiscense of the skin incision is uncommon after cesarean section in pigs. The wound is granulating in well, but must be kept clean.
Utrecht (1976)
![Infected Incision.](images/po00018.jpg)
Infected Incision.
Early necrosis and dehiscence of an infected skin incision after cesarean section.
Utrecht (1976)
![Necrotic Incision.](images/po00028.jpg)
Necrotic Incision.
Tissue necrosis may be due to the excessive use of lidocaine containing epinephrine. Left flank incision for cesarean section.
Utrecht (1976)
![Sloughing Tissues.](images/po00019.jpg)
Sloughing Tissues.
The necrotic superficial tissues are sloughing off, after infection of the skin incision in the flank.
Utrecht (1976)
![Granulation Tissue.](images/po00032.jpg)
Granulation Tissue.
Partial dehiscence of a left flank incision. The wound is granulating in well but must be kept clean.
Utrecht (1976)
![Burn Scars.](images/po00034.jpg)
Burn Scars.
Sow is recovering from a cesarean section and from burns from a heat lamp which was placed too close to the body (less than 50 cm).
Utrecht (1976)
![Burn Scars - Close-up.](images/po00035.jpg)
Burn Scars - Close-up.
Sow is recovering from a cesarean section and from burns from a heat lamp which was placed too close to the body (less than 50 cm).
Utrecht (1976)
![Mobile Surgery Table.](images/po00024.jpg)
Mobile Surgery Table.
Fork lifts with a platform can be used as a mobile, adjustable, and expedient surgery table.
Utrecht (1976)
![C-section - Dead Sow.](images/po00401.jpg)
C-section - Dead Sow.
Positioning of a dead sow at term for a Cesarean section on a necropsy table.
Smith MC (2010)
![C-section - Skin Incision.](images/po00402.jpg)
C-section - Skin Incision.
Cesarean section on a dead sow at term. Skin incision.
Smith MC (2011)
![C-section - Peritoneal Incision.](images/po00403.jpg)
C-section - Peritoneal Incision.
Cesarean section on a dead sow at term. No hemorrhage. Grey uterus shows through the initial peritoneal incision.
Smith MC (2011)
![C-section - Exposure of Uterus.](images/po00404.jpg)
C-section - Exposure of Uterus.
Cesarean section on a dead sow at term. No hemorrhage. Hemolytic uterus exteriorized for removal of the fetuses.
Smith MC (2011)
![C-section - One Uterine Horn.](images/po00405.jpg)
C-section - One Uterine Horn.
Most of the hemolytic uterus has been exteriorized.
Smith MC (2011)
![C-section - Uterine Incision.](images/po00407.jpg)
C-section - Uterine Incision.
Incision along the greater curvature over one of the fetuses.
Smith MC (2011)