The Misgav Ladach method for cesarean section compared to the Pfannenstielmethod

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of two differen t methods of cesarean section (CS). Design. The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled tri al. Setting. All CS were performed at the University Hospital in Uppsala, Swede n. Population. Fifty women admitted to hospital for a first elective CS were c onsecutively included in the study. They were randomly allocated to two gro ups. Methods. One group was operated on by the Misgav Ladach method for CS and t he other group by the Pfannenstiel method. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. Main outcome measures. Duration of operation, amount of bleeding, analgesic s required, scar appearance and length of hospitalization. Results. Operating time was significantly different between the two methods , with an average of 12.5 minutes with the Misgav Ladach method and 26 minu tes with the Pfannenstiel method (p<0.001). The amount of blood loss differ ed significantly, with 448 ml and 608 ml respectively (p=0.017). Significan tly less analgesic injections and tablets (p=0.004) were needed after the M isgav Ladach method. Conclusion. The Misgav Ladach method of CS has advantages over the Pfannens tiel method by being significantly quicker to perform, with a reduced amoun t of bleeding and diminished postoperative pain. The women were satisfied w ith the appearance of their scars. In this study no negative effects of the new operation technique were discovered.