Closure versus nonclosure of peritoneum at cesarean section: evaluation of postoperative pain

Our purpose was to evaluate postoperative opioid requirements in the closure or nonclosure of peritoneum at cesarean section. Eighty patients who were to undergo cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to two groups. The operative technique was randomized to include either nonclosure of both visceral and parietal peritoneum (study group) or closure of both layers (control group). Operating time and duration of general anesthesia was recorded. The pain was evaluated at rest in the first 12, 24 and 36 h after operation. The amount of morphine used was recorded at the same hours. The mean operating and anesthesia time were significantly longer in the control group than in the study group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) showed no difference in postoperative pain comparing closure to nonclosure of the peritoneum but patients of the control group required significantly more postoperative opioids. In conclusion, nonclosure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum reduces operating time and postoperative opioid medication.