Efficacy of Coffee versus Peppermint Oil Intake in Promoting GIT Motility after Cesarean Section; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

esarean section is the most common major surgical procedure performed in the industrialized world. It represents the most significant operative intervention in obstetrics. Its development and application has saved the lives of countless mothers and infants. On the other hand, its inappropriate use can be a direct avoidable cause of maternal moralities and morbidities. Postoperative care and satisfaction of women who underwent a cesarean delivery is an important aspect and demands due attention, because they are different from other patients and don’t have just the role of a patient. Actually they are mothers that should care and breast feed their infant immediately after surgery. GIT complications are common after most abdominal surgeries including cesarean sections. One of the biggest problems of post-abdominal surgery is postoperative ileus as well as abdominal cramp, abdominal distension, inability to start oral feeding and breastfeeding. Eventually increases the length of hospital stay which leads to increase cost of hospital care. Traditionally, patients are not given fluids or food after abdominal surgery until bowel function returns, as evidenced by bowel sounds, passage of flatus or stool, or a feeling of hunger.The significance of early feeding postoperatively depends on that food intake is able to stimulate a reflex causing a coordinated propulsive activity and increasing the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. These effects cause an overall positive effect on intestinal movement decreasing the duration of postoperative ileus. Early feeding also may be associated with reduced depletion of protein stores and improvement in wound healing with a faster recovery. Herbal plants are widely used in many remedies as a medications for digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.