Vaginal Cleansing Prior to Cesarean Section and Post-Operative Infectious Morbidity

Sara Asad Kiani; Majida Zafar; Shagufta Yasmin; Syeda Batool Mazhar

Sara Asad Kiani Post Graduate Resident MCH, PIMS. Islamabad
Majida Zafar Senior Registrar, MCH, PIMS. Islamabad
Shagufta Yasmin Assistant Professor, MCH, PIMS. Islamabad
Syeda Batool Mazhar Professor and HOD MCH, PIMS, Islamabad

Keywords: Cesarean section, vaginal cleansing, infectious morbidity, endometritis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of post-operative infectious morbidity in patients undergoing emergency cesarean section with and without pre-operative vaginal cleansing.
Methodology: A Randomized controlled trial in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, PIMS, Islamabad from 1st September 2014 to 31st January 2015 was conducted including 434 patients. Group B women received only abdominal and vulval scrubbing while Group A received additional vaginal cleansing with pyodine. Patients were followed up for development of infectious morbidity up to three weeks.
Results: Mean age of 28.4 ± 4.6 years in group A and 27.6 ± 5.9 years in group B. Fever was seen in 9 (4.1%) women in group A and 16 (7.4%) in group B (p=0.149). Endometritis was noted in 3 (1.4%) women in group A and 19 (8.8%) in group B (p=0.000). Wound Infection occurred in 3 (1.4%) women in group A and 8 (3.7%) in group B (p=0.126).
Conclusion: Use of antiseptic for vaginal cleaning before cesarean section decreased postpartum infectious morbidity due to endometritis.