A randomised controlled study of non-closure of peritoneum at caesarean section in a Nigerian population

Summary

A prospective randomised study of 54 patients undergoing caesarean section was carried out to determine if non-closure of peritoneum at lower segment caesarean section has advantages over suture peritonisation with regard to postoperative morbidity. A total of 27 women were randomised to closure and 27 to non-closure of peritoneum. Management decisions were made without reference to treatment groups. Statistical analysis compared the outcome between the two groups. The results revealed that anaesthesia and operating times were significantly shorter in patients that had the peritoneum left open. The incidence of febrile morbidity, wound infection, duration of postoperative and duration of hospital stay were not significantly different in both groups ( p < 0.05). The study concludes that non-closure of peritoneum is associated with significantly reduced operation and anaesthesia time with a non-significant difference in immediate postoperative outcome. Non-closure of peritoneum should be adopted at caesarean delivery.