Complications of Caesarean delivery part 1: Early complications

With the rise in Caesarean deliveries, complications related to the procedure are increasingly encountered. Sonography has an indispensable role in the assessment of these complications and is often the first-line investigation of choice.Topic Description: Part 1 of this pictorial review summarises the early complications unique to and associated with Caesarean deliveries.

Acute haemorrhagic complications include retained products of conception, subfascial and bladder flap haematomas and, rarely, postpartum uterine dehiscence or rupture and iatrogenic vascular complications. Infective complications include puerperal and wound infections. Key sonographic features of these conditions are illustrated. Pitfalls, mimics, limitations and indications for cross-sectional imaging are discussed.

Sound knowledge of the sonographic features of common early complications of Caesarean delivery will facilitate accurate diagnosis, timely management and improved patient outcomes.