Non-closure of peritoneum at cesarean delivery: Evaluation of the repeat cesarean sections

Objectives: A number of publications advocate the short-term advantages of peritoneal nonclosure at cesarean section. However, currently there are no hard data available about long-term results and the repeat cesareans. Material and methods: The study group of this retrospective analysis consis ted of 30 women who underwent a repeat cesarean delivery, after a previous cesarean without closure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The contr ol group (n = 31) had undergone peritoneal closure at the primary operation . All cesareans were performed at the same institution between 04/01/1997 a nd 12/31/1998 (first operation), and 01/01/1999 and 06/30/2000 (repeat oper ation). Results: The mean operation time was 38.9 (+/- 11.6) minutes in the study g roup and 44.2 (+/- 13.6) minutes in controls (p = 0,05). The mean incision- delivery time was 6.7 (+/- 3.2) minutes in the study group and 9.1 (+/- 3.9 ) minutes in controls (p < 0.01). No difference in intraoperative blood los s was observed between the two groups. In each cohort one case with signifi cant intraabdominal adhesions was observed. Conclusion: Our results indicate that nonclosure of the peritoneum at prima ry cesarean section does not promote intraabdominal adhesions. This appears to be beneficial for the repeat cesareans.