Study of short-term complications and advantages of peritoneal closure or non-closure at cesarean

In this randomized clinical trial 200 pregnant women referred to Niknafs maternity center from November 1997 to May 1998 were divided into two groups and underwent cesarean section. In the first group (control) the parietal and visceral peritoneum were approximated with delayed absorbable material whereas in the second group (case) the parietal and visceral peritoneum were left open. The mean age of the patients was 27.5±5.5. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the age, parity, gravidity, gestational age, indication for surgery, the type of anesthesia, incision type, administration of antibiotics and accompanied tubectomy (P>0.05). The mean time for the procedure was 36±5.7 and 42±7.9 minutes in the case and control group, respectively. The severity of postoperative pain was lower in the case group as compared with the control group. There were significant differences regarding the postoperative pain, the time of procedure and the mean time for the return of bowel sound movements between the two groups. It is concluded that non closure of the peritoneum is associated with lower rate of morbidity and it seems to be more beneficial.