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Intra-operative blood loss during elective lower segment caesarean section
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, UK.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Intraoperative blood loss during cesarean sections is typically under 500 ml and can be estimated accurately. However, significant blood loss over 600 ml may be underestimated.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Surgical Hemorrhage Management
- Clinical Measurement Techniques
Background:
- Accurate quantification of intraoperative blood loss is crucial for patient safety during cesarean delivery.
- Clinical estimation of blood loss can be subjective and may not always reflect actual hemodynamic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify intraoperative blood loss in elective lower segment cesarean sections.
- To compare the accuracy of estimated blood loss versus measured blood loss in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study conducted at Tsan Yuk Hospital, Hong Kong.
- Blood loss was measured using the alkaline haematin method in 40 women undergoing elective cesarean section.
- Data collected between 1990-1991 from women with singleton pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Mean measured blood loss was 487 ml (range 164-1438 ml).
- Mean estimated blood loss was 425 ml (range 100-1300 ml).
- Underestimation of blood loss occurred when measured loss exceeded 600 ml; one patient required transfusion.
Conclusions:
- Blood loss in elective lower segment cesarean sections is generally less than 500 ml.
- Clinical estimation of blood loss is reasonably accurate but may underestimate significant hemorrhage.
- Improved methods for quantifying blood loss are needed for cases exceeding 600 ml.