A randomised controlled trial of uterine exteriorisation and non-exteriorisation at caesarean section.

BACKGROUND

There is not enough information to evaluate the routine use of exteriorisation of the uterus for repair of the uterine incision and further studies are needed to examine the value of exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as against non-exteriorisation.

AIMS

To assess intraoperative and postoperative morbidity following exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as compared to those with non-exteriorisation.

METHODS

A randomised controlled trial at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten women were randomised to either exteriorisation (N = 105) or non-exteriorisation group (N = 105). Statistical analysis using SPSS compared intraoperative and postoperative outcome. The outcome measures include intraoperative blood loss, number of analgesic dose, difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

There were significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05), number of analgesic dose (P < 0.05) and duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05) in the uterine exteriorisation group as compared to those in the non-exteriorisation group. There was no significant difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications and operating time. The period for return of bowel function was significantly longer in the exteriorisation group.

CONCLUSION

Exteriorisation of uterus at caesarean section is associated with less intraoperative blood loss, less number of analgesic dose and shorter hospital stay.