Factors Affecting Postoperative Ileus after Caesarean Section.

OBJECTIVE To identify the factors associated with postoperative ileus (POI) following Caesarean section.

STUDY DESIGN A descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye, between April 2021 and February 2025.

METHODOLOGY A total of 293 women who underwent Caesarean section were evaluated postoperatively. POI was defined as the absence of the first flatus within 24 hours after surgery. Demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as factors associated with POI, were compared between patients with and without POI.

RESULTS POI developed in 33 patients (11.3%). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed an increased risk of POI with each 1-unit decrease in preoperative haemoglobin level (RR 1.357, 95% CI = 1.029-1.791, p = 0.031) and with intraoperative drain placement (RR 6.433, 95% CI = 2.326-17.792, p <0.001).

CONCLUSION POI can delay postpartum recovery. Preoperative anaemia, history of POI, and intraoperative drain placement are significant risk factors for POI after Caesarean section.

KEY WORDS Caesarean section, Ileus, Maternal health, Postoperative complications, Postpartum women.