Early oral hydration after cesarean delivery performed under regional anesthesia

Abstract

Objective: To establish an early, safe, and well-tolerated time to start oral hydration after cesarean delivery. Methods: A prospective randomized trial of women delivered by cesarean under regional anesthesia at Alanya Research and Medical Center, Turkey, between 2005 and 2006. A clear liquid drink was given to 100 women in the early oral intake (EOI) group 2 hours after surgery, and to 100 women in the delayed oral intake (DOI) group 8 hours after surgery. If the drink was tolerated, solid foods were then given gradually. Result: In the EOI and DOI groups, respectively, the mean time for the return of bowel movements was 4.4 ± 1.9 h vs 6.3 ± 2.4 h; mean time elapsed until initial passage of flatus was 12.1 ± 5.5 h vs 24.1 ± 6.0 h; and mean duration of hospitalization was 29.6 ± 5.5 h vs 44.6 ± 6.8 h (P b 0.05). Conclusion: Following cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia, oral hydration given as early as 2 hours after the operation is safe and well tolerated.

Effect of Early Post Cesarean Feeding on Gastrointestinal Complications

“…However, Burrows (16) stated that early feeding has no effect on bowel sounds returning time and lzbiki (5) also reported no significant difference for hearing bowel sounds. Our findings are similar to that of some of previous studies (3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 17) but they are in disagreement with some others (5, 16). In the Izbiki and Burrows study (5, 16), experimental group started solid diet without hearing bowel sounds during the first 8 hours after surgery, while in the present study, the early feeding-group received clear fluid without hearing bowel sounds and they could start a regular diet after hearing bowel sounds.…”

“…Statistical significant difference was found between the two groups for bowel sounds hearing time, first gas pass and first defecation time. Several studies also confirmed that post cesarean early oral intake caused faster bowel sounds return (10, 13, 16, 17). However, Burrows (16) stated that early feeding has no effect on bowel sounds returning time and lzbiki (5) also reported no significant difference for hearing bowel sounds.…”

“…One of the general postoperative complications is gastrointestinal problems (1). Ileus (2-4), flatulence (5, 6) nauseas and vomiting (7, 8) are the most important problems after cesarean section leading to mother's dissatisfaction and prolong hospitalization (9, 10). Postoperative ileus cause intestinal gas retention, abdominal distension, nausea and abdominal pain (4).…”

Early Oral Intake and Gastrointestinal Function After Cesarean Delivery

“…There were four studies that implemented oral intake within 2 hours after cesarean delivery. 22,24,25,28 However, the early intake was either a water or liquid diet. Most of the studies (n511) offered early oral intake within 6-8 hours after cesarean delivery, and the food provided among the eight studies included water, clear liquids, and solid food.…”

“…14 The most common nourishment provided to women for early oral intake was a liquid diet of tea, juice, water, or coffee (n511). 7,14,15,17,20,[22][23][24][26][27][28] A solid diet was provided in four studies. 8,16,19,21 A semiliquid diet or low-residue diet was introduced by only two studies.…”