Delivery method of the placenta in cesarean deliveries and the effect of uterine incision repair area on morbidity: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the effects of spontaneous or manual delivery of the placenta and repair of uterine incision inside or outside the abdomen on intraoperative blood loss, postoperative infection morbidity, and postoperative hospitalization time. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study with 150 patients among 160 patients who were indicated to undergo emergency cesarean procedures in our tertiary hospital. We divided the patient population into four groups. These four groups were formed by comparing the way the placenta was delivered manually and by spontaneous traction with the repair of the uterus inside and outside the abdomen. Blood loss was determined using quantitative and gravimetric methods. A numeric rating scale was used, which is a one-dimensional method used for uterine sensitivity distribution and pain measurement. Results: The amount of bleeding was 339 mL in group 1, 237 mL in group 2, 470 mL in group 3, and 490 mL in group 4, which were significantly different (p<0.001). The mean surgical time was 30.8±5.5 minutes in group 1, 30.7±4.4 minutes in group 2, 38.5±6.9 minutes in group 3, and 43.9 minutes in group 4 (p<0.001). When the distribution of uterine tenderness among the groups was examined in the fundus examinations performed on the postpartum 1st day of the patients, we found a significant difference (p<0.001). When all groups were compared, there was a significant difference between group 1 and group 4 in terms of hospital stay (p<0.004). Among the contributing factors were endometritis, maternal body weight (p<0.053), advanced gestational week (p<0.004), prolonged surgical time (p<0.009), and the presence of meconium. Conclusion: Manual removal of the placenta resulted in higher blood loss, increased uterine tenderness, and longer hospitalization compared with the spontaneous separation method. The uterine incision repair site did not affect morbidity.