2nd Look during Caesarean

I have a question. I'm now 28 weeks pregnant and everything is going well and we are starting to discuss my birth options. I've been asked if I want to plan to have a 2nd look surgery at the time of the c-section. I'm really in two minds. If we do that then I wont be awake, they will put me fully under and I will miss experiencing the birth and will be out of it for a bit after the surgery. Also the recovery would be a bit longer than after just a normal c-section which could be a challenge with a new born. I'm particularly concerned about my bowels since they are already problematic for me since the original surgery so extra handling would probably make them worse again. Though it would be worth them being checked for adhesions causing kinking which could be some of my issues now.
I haven't had any CA125's since March (since it will be all over the place with pregnancy) and no scans since last December so i am a bit anxious for reassurance that everything is okay in there and no sign of recurrence. It seems sensible to have them look around while they are in there rather than potentially need another operation later.
There is a part of me that really wants that reassurance but there is this other part that wants to plead ignorance even if there is a sign or it coming back so that I can concentrate on the new baby without added stress.

How much 'looking around' can they do from a normal c-section incision? I'm wondering if I push for them just to have  a quick look rather than a proper 2nd look surgery with the gyn/onc whether it is worth it or not.

What do you think? I have a few weeks to think about it before needing to let the ob's know so that they can line up my gyn/onc if needs be.

Thanks for your advice.

[marie3B]

It seems to me that if they did a vertical C-section incision that they could get a pretty good look.  My recent surgery they looked around even thugh it wasn't a full open lap.  I only had a horizontal incision from the middle of my upper abdomen to below the right ribs.   This is a very hard decision, but I am glad you are doing so well.  My daughter's baby that was born @ 35 weeks is doing fine.  I cannot wait to see the first baby photos that you post.  Marie

[Teresa222]

I see it as an opportunity for the doctors to take a look around. That is a good thing. As long as it does not interfere with our miracle baby, I'd think that having an opportunity to fight the beast at the same time would be something I would want to do if in the same situation. That is only after weighing all the pros and cons on the baby's well being during delivery.

[TrudieC]

Can they start you out with an epidural for the birth and then put you out for the remainder?

[peekawho]

This should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.  Yes, they can do anything from a quick look, to a detailed look, depending on your health/surgical stability at the time of the C/Section.

Your doctor might even want a surgical oncologist present at the time of birth if this is planned to be a detailed look with possible tissue sampling if anything suspicious is found.

It all depends on your medical history.  your doctor will want to weigh the risks of prolonging your surgery and manipulating your organs during a detailed look, vs a quick look for gross abnormalities.  

Good luck, and congrats on your upcoming birth.

Peekawho, co-CL of Maternal/Child

[Ramsay14]

I vote for a thorough look.  The most important thing is to be here, and healthy, for the baby.  

[butterflytc]

I am for the second look too. Now that you are having this sweet child, I want you to be around to take care of her/him. Cannot wait to see "our" newest addition, and hear only good reports on the mom to be.

[crecco]

  Oz,
    I have to say that I too vote for you to have them take another look around. Most normally they wouldn't go back in and do that, but if the opportunity is there, you should jump on it. I am thinking like Trudie and wondering if they could let you experience the birth then knock you out completely so they can do their second look. Be sure and talk to your Dr about it.
  But hey, what ever you decide to do is fine by me. I just cannot wait to see the baby. And i was just curious, is the a limit on how many grandmas a baby can have?
    Love Chris

[lvfrogs]

I wasn't going to comment at first, since I do not have oc, but since everyone said what I wanted to anyway, I am just chiming in agreeing. I would get the look around while they can. I agree with Trudie and Chris, maybe they can give you the epidural so you are awake for the baby and then knock you out if they have to. My first boy was born by C-Section, if you have any questions about that and I only had an epidural. Is it possible for them to get a good look with just the epidural? Lots of questions, I know. But I am in agreement, we want you here for that sweet baby you are having!
Hugs,
Colleen