Extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal cesarean section: a retrospective analysis

Objective: We aimed to compare the extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal cesarean section techniques. Methods: We analyzed 34 patients who underwent extraperitoneal cesarean section and 34 patients who underwent transperitoneal cesarean section performed by only one operator in a single institution and compared both methods regarding operation duration, delivery time, nausea or vomiting during operation, postoperative shoulder pain, need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics during the operation day and the first postoperative day, first flatus time, and mean reduction in hemoglobin values. Results: Half of the patients in the transperitoneal cesarean section group had nausea and vomiting during the operation and 58% of the patients had shoulder pain postoperatively. None of the patients in the extraperitoneal cesarean section group had nausea or vomiting during the operation and shoulder pain postoperatively. First flatus occurred significantly earlier in the extraperitoneal cesarean section group. Reduction in hemoglobin levels and need of analgesic drugs were higher in the transperitoneal cesarean group. Conclusion: Extraperitoneal cesarean section is a safe technique which can be carried out by experienced operators. Decreased postoperative pain, need for analgesic drugs and early intestinal activity are seems to be the potential benefits of the technique.