Setup for a C-Section (Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN)
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A planned cesarean section (C-section) involves two patients, maternal and newborn, so the operating room (OR) should be prepared and arranged to provide for their safety, and to optimize efficiency for the surgical team. The three essential components for effective perioperative care include creation and maintenance of the sterile field, instrument organization, and accurate surgical counts. This video presents an example of how to set up the back table and Mayo stand for a C-section, including a demonstration of how to perform the initial surgical count.
Cesarean section (C-section) remains one of the most frequently performed operations worldwide.1 The surgical technologist ensures patient safety by creating the sterile field, using aseptic technique throughout the procedure, and performing accurate surgical counts with the circulating nurse or other licensed professional. A well-organized back table and Mayo stand helps the surgeon work quickly and supports optimal outcomes for mothers and newborns.
This video shows a method of arranging the surgical instruments and supplies to promote efficiency. The Mayo stand is arranged to provide for immediate access to clamps, retractors, and other items that may be needed at the start of the procedure. Neonatal supplies, such as the suction bulb syringe, umbilical cord clamps, and supplies to capture cord blood are organized and ready for use once the baby has been delivered.
Accurate surgical counts are an important safety measure to prevent retained surgical items.2–4 This includes tracking of all sponges and sharps (blades, scalpels, hypodermic needles, suture, and electrocautery tips).
In summary, sterile operating room setup for C-sections, and all surgical procedures, are essential to patient safety and surgical efficiency. Surgical technologists safeguard the patient and the perioperative team by ensuring sterility and assisting the surgical team before the surgery begins and throughout the procedure.
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References
- Angolile CM, Max BL, Mushemba J, Mashauri HL. Global increased cesarean section rates and public health implications: a call to action. Health Sci Rep. 2023;6(5). doi:10.1002/hsr2.1274
- Norton EK, Martin C, Micheli AJ. Patients count on it: an initiative to reduce incorrect counts and prevent retained surgical items. AORN J. 2012;95(1). doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2011.06.007
- Birolini DV, Rasslan S, Utiyama EM. Unintentionally retained foreign bodies after surgical procedures. Analysis of 4547 cases. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2016;43(1). doi:10.1590/0100-69912016001004
- Weprin S, Crocerossa F, Meyer D, et al. Risk factors and preventive strategies for unintentionally retained surgical sharps: a systematic review. Patient Saf Surg. 2021;15(1). doi:10.1186/s13037-021-00297-3
Cite this article
Seib H. Setup for a C-section (Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN). J Med Insight. 2025;2025(551). doi:10.24296/jomi/551
