Extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal cesarean section: a retrospective study

Objectives To evaluate extraperitoneal cesarean section as a routine elective surgery.Methods In this retrospective study, 461 primiparas were divided into the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal cesarean section groups according to the operation type in a random, but non-blinded, manner. The outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, postoperative gas passage time, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and neonatal indicatorsResults The operation duration of the extraperitoneal cesarean section group was significantly lower than that of the transperitoneal cesarean section group (P < 0.05). Compared to the transperitoneal cesarean section group, the extraperitoneal cesarean section group had neonates with higher birth weights and fewer neonatal transfers (P < 0.05). There was no difference in other maternal surgical or neonatal complications between the two groups.Conclusion While extraperitoneal cesarean section can be safely performed as a routine procedure in the surgical delivery of primiparas, it must be performed by well-trained surgeons. In view of its advantages, it is worth being promoted in senior general hospitals as a routine choice.Abbreviations: CS: Cesarean section; ECS: Extraperitoneal; TCS: Transperitoneal; VAS: Visual analogue scale.