Caesarean Section Wound Infiltration with Local Anaesthetic for Postoperative Pain Relief--Any Benefit?(Original Articles) (Report‪)‬

Delivery by caesarean section (CS) is becoming more frequent and is one of the most common major operative procedures performed worldwide. In the USA a CS rate of 26% for all births is reported. (1) The rate approaches 25% in Canada and is over 20% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (2) In the private health sector in South Africa, one study noted a much higher figure of 57%. (3) Childbirth is an emotional experience for a woman and her family. The mother needs to bond with the new baby as early as possible and initiate early breastfeeding, which helps to contract the uterus and accelerates the process of uterine involution in the postpartum period. (4) Any form of intervention that leads to improvement in pain relief can positively impact on early breastfeeding. Prompt and adequate postoperative pain relief is therefore an important component of caesarean delivery that can make the period immediately after the operation less uncomfortable and more emotionally gratifying. Postoperative pain after CS is usually managed with opioids in combination with other forms of analgesics.