ABSTRACT

This study was designed to compare the Pfannenstiel versus Joel-Cohen incisions during caesarean deliveries.

Women undergoing caesarean deliveries (n=153) were randomly assigned to the conventional Pfannenstiel or the Joel-Cohen incision. The outcome measures included postoperative pain, requirement for analgesics, operative time and other postoperative data.

Maternal age, parity, gestational age and indications for caesarean delivery were similar across groups. Total operative time, postoperative recovery duration, time to get out of bed, to walk straight without support, to detect audible intestinal sounds and to pass gases or stools were shorter in the Joel-Cohen group. Postoperative haematocrit decreases and estimated intraoperative blood loss were similar between the two techniques. Moderate and severe pain at 6, 12 and 18 hours postoperatively was less frequent after the Joel-Cohen technique.

Joel-Cohen incision in the non-scarred abdomen may provide a faster technique for caesarean section with less postoperative pain and probably early postoperative recovery in our circumstances.

Keywords: Caesarean, deliveries, Pfannenstiel, Joel-Cohen, incision