Does Monopolar Electrocautery Affect the Fetus during Cesarean Section?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Assessing the fetal impact of monopolar electrocautery during cesarean sections is crucial for maternal-fetal medicine.
• Understanding the safety and effects of surgical energy devices in obstetric procedures is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of monopolar electrocautery on fetal outcomes during cesarean delivery.
• To compare neonatal vital signs, blood parameters, and NICU admission rates between groups with and without electrocautery use.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 552 cesarean section cases.
• Grouping patients based on the use (272) or non-use (280) of monopolar electrocautery for tissue separation.
• Comparison of neonatal Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood gas and electrolyte levels, serum parameters, and NICU admission rates.

Main Results:

• Higher 1st and 5th-minute Apgar scores in the electrocautery group (significance lost at 10th minute).
• Significantly higher newborn pulse rate, umbilical cord blood pH, and partial oxygen pressure in the electrocautery group.
• Lower umbilical cord blood calcium levels and reduced incidence of hypoglycemia observed in the electrocautery group.

Conclusions:

• Monopolar electrocautery use during cesarean sections affects fetal parameters but is deemed safe.
• Electrocautery is independently associated with alterations in fetal umbilical cord blood pH and calcium levels.
• The use of electrocautery may correlate with a decreased incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia.