A Caesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus. Caesarean sections can be classified as either ‘elective’ (planned) or ‘emergency’. Emergency Caesarean sections can then be subclassified into three categories, based on their urgency. This is to ensure that babies are delivered in a timely manner in accordance to their or their mother’s needs. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommends that when a Category 1 section is called, the baby should be born within 30 minutes (although some units would expect 20 minutes). For Category 2 sections, there is not a universally accepted time, but usual audit standards are between 60-75 minutes. Emergency Caesarean sections are most commonly for failure to progress in labour or suspected/confirmed fetal compromise.

Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. When the appendix is inflamed it causes pain and makes you feel unwell. What are the benefits of surgery? You will no longer get appendicitis. Surgery should prevent you from having serious complications that appendicitis can cause. Are there any alternatives to surgery? Antibiotics can be used to treat inflammation or an abscess, but only if you are well enough. If an abscess continues or if you become unwell even with antibiotics, you will need an operation. What does the operation involve? An appendicectomy is usually performed under a spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes between half an hour and an hour. We will remove the appendix either by using the laparoscopic (keyhole) technique or by an open cut in the abdomen.