title: [Early resumption of food intake after cesarean section in black African women: liquid versus solid food].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of early resumption of solid versus liquid food intake after emergency cesarean section in black African women, in terms of gastrointestinal complications and maternal satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 120 patients were randomly distributed into two groups of 60 each. In group L, liquid food intake in the form of sweetened citronella drink was allowed at will starting 6 six hours after the procedure but no solid food was allowed for 24 hours. In group S, normal solid food intake was resumed six hours after the procedure. The two study groups were not significantly different with regard to age, medical history, ASA class, obstetrical status, indications for cesarean section, anesthetic protocol, mean procedural duration, and postoperative analgesia. Study variables included tolerance of food intake, gastro-intestinal complications, time necessary to resume full activity and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 6% of patients reported complications involving nausea, vomiting and bloating. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. Normal intestinal transit resumed earlier in group S but the difference was not significant. Auscultation of the abdomen at 16 hours after the procedure demonstrated presence of peristalsis in 59 patients in group S and 51 in group L (p = 0.008). The maternal satisfaction rate was 92% in group S and 43% in group L (p <0.01). All dissatisfied patients said that they would opt for solid food in case of future cesarean.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early solid food intake after cesarean in black African women is as well tolerated as early liquid feeding. Resumption of solid food intake allows earlier rehabilitation and improves patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Anesthdsie-Réanimation, Hôpital de la Mère et de l'Enfant Lagune, Cotonou, Bénin. ezoumenou@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zoumenou
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Denakpo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Assouto
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tchaou
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lokossou
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chobli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001541:Benin; D001628:Beverages; D044383:Black People; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004435:Eating; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors