[Comparative study about enhanced recovery after cesarean section: What benefits, what risks?]

Abstract

Objective: The post-caesarean enhanced recovery protocol's goal is to allow a quick recovery of previous physical capabilities and increase the chances of an early release and return to normal activities.

Methods: At the Foch Hospital, we performed a case control survey including 2 consecutive groups of patients. The first group was composed of 83 patients that experienced the regular post c-section treatment and the second group of 84 patients that benefited from the enhanced recovery treatment. The characteristics of both groups were comparable. We monitored the complications, hospitalization time and full recovery time for each group.

Results: The average hospitalisation time for the patients that received the enhanced recovery treatment was significantly lower than for those that received the standard treatment (3,92 days vs 4,34 days P<0,01). The autonomy for the toilet and the mobility was improved. The average number of complications was not greater for the enhanced recovery group, except for acute retention of urine which were all treated with a simple urine sample return.

Conclusion: The post-cesarean enhanced recovery seams to allow the significant improvement in recovery of autonomy and length of hospitalization stay without increasing significantly the rate of complications except for the acute retentions of urines which involve in postpartum period close monitoring patients' urination.

Keywords: Acute retention of urine; Cesarean section; Césarienne; Enhanced recovery; Réhabilitation améliorée; Rétention urinaire.