Cesarean Delivery: A Multimodality Imaging Review of Acute and Chronic Complications

Abstract

Cesarean deliveries account for approximately 30% of deliveries in the United States yearly.1 Approximately 14% of cesarean deliveries have associated short-term complications, most commonly endometritis or incisional cellulitis.2 Other complications include rectus sheath and bladder flap hematomas, endometrial hemorrhage, superficial and deep abscess formation, uterine dehiscence or rupture, ovarian vein thrombophlebitis, and, rarely, retained products of conception. Long-term risks include an increased incidence of ectopic implantation at the uterine scar site and potential invasive placentation, intrauterine device malpositioning, and endometriosis within the abdominal wall incision site.2 Familiarity with both the normal appearance and the potential acute and chronic complications of the patient with postpartum cesarean delivery will facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis and expedite appropriate patient care.