Postpartum voiding dysfunction following vaginal versus caesarean delivery

Lina Salman*, Anat Shmueli, Shachar Aharony, Anat Pardo, Rony Chen, Arnon Wiznitzer, Rinat Gabbay-Benziv

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this prospective study, we evaluated postpartum voiding dysfunction stratified by mode of delivery–vaginal delivery versus elective caesarean delivery (CD). We recruited nulliparous women carrying singleton gestation at term admitted to delivery room or elective CD. Pre-labour voiding function was assessed by recording the post-voiding residual volume (PVRV) using a bladder scan. PVRV evaluation was repeated at least 12 hours following delivery and before discharge. PVRVs were considered abnormal if ≥150 mL. PVRVs were compared between vaginal and CD. Overall, 54 women were included. Of them, 34 (63%) delivered vaginally and 20 (37%) had an elective CD. Postpartum mean PVRVs were significantly higher compared to pre-labour PVRVs (215 vs. 133 mL, p<.001). Abnormal postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to CD (73.5% vs. 45%, p<.05). In conclusion, delivery adversely affects voiding function. Vaginal delivery is associated with more severe voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Delivery is associated with voiding dysfunction. While most studies on postpartum voiding dysfunction were related to vaginal delivery, little is known on the effect of mode of delivery (vaginal versus caesarean delivery (CD)) on voiding dysfunction. Whatthe results of this study add? In this study, we found that postpartum post-voiding residual volume is significantly higher than the pre-labour PVRV in women delivered vaginally. In addition, postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in women delivered vaginally compared to elective CD. Whatthe implicationsareof these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study implicates that women with vaginal delivery are more prone to voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD. However, larger observational studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate whether this difference still exists beyond the post-partum period.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)256-260
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Mode of delivery
  • bladder dysfunction
  • caesarean delivery
  • post-void residual volume
  • vaginal delivery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Postpartum voiding dysfunction following vaginal versus caesarean delivery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this