cesarean section (CS) [L, Caesarlex, Caesar’s law, sectio] , a surgical procedure in which the uterus is opened by a transverse incision in the lower uterine segment (lower segment transverse cesarean section, LSTCS) or a vertical incision through the corpus of the uterus (classical cesarean section, vertical cesarean section) to deliver a baby. The abdomen may be opened by either a transverse or vertical incision. Maternal indications for a cesarean section include protraction and descent disorders (dysfunctional labor) and abnormal placental position (e.g., placenta previa) or premature separation of the placenta during labor (e.g., abruptio placenta). Fetal indications include breech, transverse, or other noncephalic presentations and evidence of a nonreassuring fetal status (formerly called fetal distress). After cesarean section a trial of labor is usually appropriate in a subsequent pregnancy. See also classic cesarean section, extraperitoneal cesarean section, low cervical cesarean section.
