Blunt-edged, notched scalpel for cesarean incision.

Abstract

Fetal penetrating injuries during cesarean delivery are rare but possible complications. We describe our findings from using a newly developed blunt-edged, notched scalpel to incise the uterine wall during cesarean delivery. The scalpel was designed with a blunt edge and notches. The blunt edge did not penetrate the uterine wall, and thus fetal injury was prevented. The notched blade split the uterine muscle fibers when the entry incision was made. We used this tool in 41 women with intact membranes who had uterine wall incisions during cesarean deliveries. There were no fetal injuries or major complications. Making uterine incisions with this new blunt-edged, notched scalpel is feasible, easy, and safe.