Evidence-based cesarean delivery: postoperative care (part 10).

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

The following review focuses on routine postoperative care after cesarean delivery (CD), including specific Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean recommendations as well as important postpartum counseling points. Following CD, there is insufficient evidence to support administration of prophylactic multi-dose antibiotics to all patients. Additional antibiotic doses are indicated for the following scenarios: patients with obesity who did not receive preoperative azithromycin, CD lasting ≥4 hours since prophylactic dose, blood loss >1500 mL, or those with an intra-amniotic infection. An oxytocin infusion for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage should be continued post-CD. While initial measures to prevent postoperative pain occur in the intraoperative period, with the consideration of 1 g intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and IV or intramuscular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (eg, 30 mg IV ketorolac), the focus postoperatively continues with this multimodal approach with scheduled acetaminophen per os (PO, 650 mg every 6 hours) and nonsteroidal agents (ketorolac 30 mg IV every 6 hours for 4 doses followed by ibuprofen 600 mg PO every 6 hours) being recommended. Short-acting opioids should be reserved for breakthrough pain. Low-risk patients should receive mechanical thromboprophylaxis until ambulation with chemoprophylaxis being reserved for patients with additional risk factors. When an indwelling bladder catheter was placed intraoperatively for scheduled CD, it should be removed immediately postoperatively. Chewing gum to aid in return of bowel function and early oral intake of solid food can occur immediately after CD and within 2 hours, respectively. For prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, administration of 5HT

Volume

7

Issue

1

First Page

101549

Last Page

101549

ISSN

2589-9333

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

39557196

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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