Post Cesarean Section Incision Infection

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Post Cesarean Section Incision Infection is a condition that affects about 5% of women who give birth by cesarean section. The infection is caused by bacteria and usually causes fever and abdominal pain.

1 Who is at risk?
2 Types of infections
3 Complications
4 Treatment
5 More Information

[edit] Who is at risk?

No one can predict who will have an infected incision after having a cesarean section, but there are factors in the mother that increase the risk of developing the condition.

Wound infections happen more often in women who have:

Obesity
Diabetes
An immunosuppressive disorder
Chorioamnionitis

And by women who are taking steroids.

[edit] Types of infections

A post cesarean section incision infection can be observed in two forms:

Wound cellulitis - This type of infection is caused by overgrowth of bacteria that are normally present on the surface of the skin - staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms. Inflammation develops in the tissue below the skin, and then rapidly spreads to the surrounding skin. The infection causes swelling, fever, redness and tenderness and the wound may be warm to the touch. Pus is typically not seen in the infected area.
Wound abscess – Many types of bacteria can cause this type of post cesarean infection, including staph and strep. This type of infection in the incision causes redness, swelling, and tenderness, and pus will drain from the wound.

[edit] Complications

Developing an infection in your cesarean incision can extend your recovery time, and in rare cases lead to more serious complications, such as necrotizing fasciitis, rupture of the fascia, or evisceration. These types of rare and severe infections will require additional surgery and recovery time.

[edit] Treatment

Treatment for both types of infections includes antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you have an abscess, it will need to be drained and cleaned. The abscess will be packed with gauze and closely watched as it heals.