Polite Dissent

Detective Comics #793 Surrogate, part 3: Deliverance
Andersen Gabrych, writer
Pete Woods, penciler

Batman and Dr. Leslie Thompkins are trapped in a collapsed building along with superstar L’Shea and her pregnant daughter Neisha. Neisha has been severely injured and Batman and Dr. Thompkins perform an emergency Caesarean section to deliver her baby and hopefully save Neisha’s life as well.

The intricacies and history of the c-section are well explained, as are the two different surgical approaches. Dr. Thompkins chooses to perform an LTCS (Lower Transverse C-Section, a horizontal incision at the bikini line) instead of the classic c-section (a vertical incision from the bottom of the breastbone to the top of the pubic bone) as it “less traumatic for the mother.” This is true. Almost all modern c-sections are done by LTCS, not because of trauma, but because it provides a smaller scar and allows for the chance of a standard delivery at the next pregnancy. The classical incision leaves a very prominent scar and any further deliveries mandate repeat c-sections. On the other hand, the vertical incision in much faster and is the best choice for emergency situations, and should probably have been used in this case.

The umbilical cord is cut with poor technique. If performed the way illustrated, blood would spray everywhere, and the infant would lose blood as well. Proper technique is to clamp the cord in two places, and cut the cord between the clamps. Less blood spraying, no blood loss.

The CPR scene was well done, with good hand position and technique by Batman.

Despite my nit-picks, the medical content of this issue were well done, particularly in regards to the c-section scene.