THE EFFECT OF EARLY VERSUS DELAYED ORAL HYDRATION ON POST CESAREAN MATERNAL OUTCOME AND SATISFACTION

Abstract

Background: A widespread strategy where patients acquire nothing orally until return of bowel function (passage of flatus or bowel motion), observed by sluggish advancement of feeds to a solid diet postoperatively is now challenged although incredible controversial, there is increasing evidence demonstrating the safety of early oral hydration after ordinary cesarean section. Aim: This study aimed to identify the effect of early oral hydration on post-cesarean outcome and maternal satisfaction. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was carried out in Postnatal Ward of Women Health at Mansoura General Hospital. Subjects: A total of 160 post CS women were enrolled for the study, 80 received early oral intake and 80 had delayed oral intake. Tools of data collection: An interview questionnaire, patient assessment sheet and visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Results indicated that the baseline traits of women in the two groups had been similar. Study group had significant lesser mean time of first bowel sounds and first passage of flatus (3.7 ±0.9& 6.3 ±1.0 vs. 6.9 ±1.1& 13.2 ±1.4 hours respectively), earlier mean time of sitting, initiation of breastfeeding, early removal of the catheter (5.5 ±0.5 vs. 6.8 ±0.5) and shorter hospital stay with increase level of maternal satisfaction. Conclusion: The study showed that early oral hydration increase post cesarean satisfaction and shortened hospital stay than the delayed hydration. It is a safe, easy and enforceable intervention that can be usual in surgical units. Recommendations: The study recommends that early oral hydration for women who had uncomplicated cesarean section under regional anesthesia want greater researches to be carried out to assess patient's tolerability and satisfaction to early oral hydration.