C-section and Internal Scarring

With any pregnancy, there’s a chance that you might need a Cesarean section, or C-section. In fact, many C-sections are not planned, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

C-section surgery involves the cutting and manipulation of internal tissues and organs, which may cause inflammation. As these tissues heal close together, internal scars called adhesions may form between your uterus, ovaries, bladder, and abdominal wall. Studies suggest that adhesions develop in approximately 50% to 70% of patients after their first C-section¹, and increase with each future C-section.²

Adhesions don’t always lead to problems, but can cause:

• Infertility ³
• Chronic pelvic pain ⁴
• Complications during future surgeries ⁵, such as repeat C-section

Reducing Adhesions with SEPRAFILM®

Doctors use a number of techniques to help prevent adhesions. One way is using SEPRAFILM Adhesion Barrier. SEPRAFILM is a clear, reabsorbable film that’s applied during your C-section surgery. It separates your uterus from the abdominal wall, helping to prevent them from attaching to one another as they heal. SEPRAFILM stays in place during the critical seven-day healing period⁶ and is then absorbed naturally by your body.⁷

SEPRAFILM and C-section

In a study of women receiving SEPRAFILM at their first C-section, SEPRAFILM significantly reduced adhesions, resulting in decreased procedure and delivery times at their next C-section.⁸

If you are pregnant, ask your doctor if SEPRAFILM may be right for you in the event of a C-section.

Learn more about SEPRAFILM use in C-section at csectionhealing.com

Cesarean Section A surgical procedure in which your OB/GYN makes an incision through your lower abdomen and then through your uterus in order to access and deliver your baby. An alternative to vaginal birth when indicated by an OB/GYN. Full glossary

Adhesions Internal scars that may form after surgery on or between internal organs and/or body tissue. Adhesions between tissues can twist and pull organs out of their normal places. Full glossary

Ovaries Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and female sex hormones. Full glossary

Uterus A female reproductive organ for containing and providing nourishment to a fetus during development prior to birth (often referred to as the womb). Full glossary

1. Lyell DJ, Caughey AB, Hu E, Daniels K. Peritoneal closure at primary Cesarean delivery and adhesions. Obstet Gynecol. 2005; 106:275-80.

 

2. Morales KJ, Gordon MC, Bates GW Jr. Postcesarean delivery adhesions associated with delayed delivery of infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007; 196:461.e1-461.e6.

 

3. DiZerega GS.  Peritoneal repair and postsurgical adhesion formation. In: Management of Common Problems in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Mishell DR, Goodwin Murphy T, Brenner PF, eds. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing; 2002: 267-271.

 

4. Keltz MD, Gera PS, Olive DL.  Prospective randomized trial of right-sided paracolic adhesiolysis for chronic pelvic pain.  JSLS 2006;10(4):443-6.

 

5. Van der Krabben AA, Dijkstra FR, Newuwenhuijzen M, Reijnen MMPJ, Schaapvelt M, van Goor H. Morbidity and mortality of inadvertent enterotomy during adhesiotomy. Br J Surg. 2000;87:467-471.

 

6. Raftery AT. Regeneration of parietal and visceral peritoneum: an electron microscopical study. J Anat. 1973;115:375-392.

 

7. SEPRAFILM Prescribing Information. Cambridge, MA: Genzyme Corporation; 2007.

 

8. Fushiki H, Ikoma T, Kobayashi H, Yoshimoto H. Efficacy of SEPRAFILM as an Adhesion Barrier in Cesarean Sections. Obstetric and Gynecological Treatment [Japanese]. 2005;91(5):557-561.