Comparison of Oral Intake Profiles at 4 and 12 Hours Following Cesarean Section under General Anesthesia

After cesarean section, practices vary considerably between institutions and individual practitioners, ranging from early oral fluids or food to delayed introduction of oral fluids and food which may be after 24 hours or more. This study was carried out to assess and compare the outcome of early (4 hours) and late (12 hours) postoperative feeding after uncomplicated cesarean section done under general anesthesia. This study was a controlled trial. The research population was women delivered by cesarean section in Ommolbanin hospital. The samples consist of 82 women randomly assigned in two groups of early and late traditional feeding. The early feeding group started oral fluids 4 hours after surgery, followed by regular diet after return of bowel sounds. The traditional feeding group started oral fluids 12 hours after surgery then oral solid food was allowed after defecation. The groups were compared about gastrointestinal complications, pain 4, 12and 24hours after surgery. Also the groups were compared about satisfaction and wound healing. Data was analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact test, Kruskalwalis test, t test and Mann Whitney. flatulence intensity 24 (p=0.030(was less in early feeding group. Pain intensity12 (p=0.010) and 24 hours after surgery was less in early feeding group (p=0.000).women’s satisfaction was more in early feeding group (p=0.000) but the mean of REEDA score for cesarean wound healing was similar in both groups (p=0.257). this paper shows the early feeding (4 hours) after cesarean section with general anesthesia decrease gastrointestinal complication, pain and increase women’s satisfaction.