Purpose: to determine whether nonclosure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum is of benefit for the intraoperative or postoperative course of cesarean section. Methods: six hundred and ninety-eight women scheduled for cesarean section were randomized to either closure of both visceral and parietal peritoneum (n = 349) or no peritoneal closure (n = 349), at the Maternidade da Encruzilhada (CISAM) in Recife, from November 1997 to December 1998. Statistical analysis compared intraoperative and postoperative outcome between the two groups. There was no difference regarding age, parity, gestational age, antibiotic prophylaxis, headache after spinal anesthesia, cystitis, ruptured membranes and indications for cesarean section. Results: operating time, number of absorbable sutures and use of analgesics were significantly lower in the group without closure. The incidence of febrile morbidity, wound infection and endometritis was similar in the two groups. There was no difference in the need for antiphysetics, antiemetics and mineral oil. The average hospital stay was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: nonclosure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum at cesarean section was not associated with adverse effects on the postoperative course; on the contrary, it reduced the use of analgesics, and intraoperatively it reduced operating time and the number of absorbable sutures.
Cesarean section; Surgery: complications; Puerperal infection
