Less is more—a minimal approach technique for Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: The various techniques for performing a Cesarean Section (CS) have a long history. There are numerous surgical variations based on personal or local tradition, but these are not based on evidence and often have different outcomes on maternal and newborn health. Many modifications of the CS technique have been utilized in order to improve outcome with variable results both positive and negative. Several CS laparotomic methods have been developed but no consensus has been reached on the most optimal approach as related to safety and morbidity. Methods: The minimalistic approach of the Stark Cesarean Section (SCS) is compared to other methods thorugh an evaluation of the studies published in the last 20 years comparing this technique with others, the systematic reviews and the personal experience of the authors. Results and discussion: The abdominal incision done at the Stark Cesarean Section differs from the Pfannenstiel incision by its location being above the arcuate line eliminating the need to separate the fascia from the recti muscles. The muscle separations being away from the pubic bone and the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves eliminates the risk of damage. This unique surgical approach is a logical, fast and simple one that eliminates unnecessary operative steps saving time and reducing complications. After fifteen years of experience and thousands of SCS performed at our departments, we may conclude that this method has several advantages over other surgical methods as related to short and long-term outcomes, including chronic/neuropathic pain and quality of life.