Category one caesarean section: A team-based approach

SummaryCaesarean delivery rates are rapidly increasing necessitating a concerted effort to manage resources and expedite delivery especially during an emergency. Category-1 Caesarean sections (CS) require a co-ordinated multidisciplinary team-based approach, with good communication, training and locally relevant protocols so as to ensure a speedy and yet safe process for both the mother and the foetus. Controversies surrounding the decision-to-delivery interval and guidelines will be discussed. As an integral part of the team, the anaesthetist is often stressed for time and general anaesthesia is frequently the technique of choice. Recent literature has also suggested alternatives including rapid sequence spinal anaesthesia and epidural extension of existing neuraxial labour analgesia. In-utero resuscitation should also be administered prior to operative delivery.