A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy of ginger in the prevention of abdominal distention in post cesarean section patients

Wasinee Tianthong,Vorapong Phupong

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-25200-6

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ginger in the prevention of abdominal distention in post cesarean section patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted. One hundred and seventy-eight post cesarean section patients were either randomized to the study group receiving oral ginger capsules or to the placebo group receiving oral placebo capsules. The average age of the studied women was 32.3 years. The incidence of postoperative abdominal distention was not different between the ginger and the placebo groups (20.2% vs 29.2%, p = 0.328). The efficacy to relieve abdominal distention was superior in the ginger group than the placebo group (91% vs 65.2%, p < 0.001). With regards to quality of life, the number of patients who had the ability to eat was higher in the ginger group than in the placebo group (59.6% vs 43.8%, p = 0.035). There were no significant differences in time to first flatus, maternal satisfaction, and side effects. Ginger does not decrease the incidence of post cesarean section abdominal distention. But, ginger is more effective than the placebo in relieving the severity of abdominal distention on the fourth day after operation and improving the ability to eat.

Highlights

Cesarean delivery is defined as the birth of a fetus through incisions in the abdominal wall and the uterine wall
The incidence of postoperative abdominal distention was not different between the ginger and placebo groups (20.2% vs 29.2%, p = 0.328)
The severity of abdominal distention on the first – third day after operation was not different between groups, but on the fourth day after operation, the severity of abdominal distention was significantly lower in the ginger group than the placebo group (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Cesarean delivery is defined as the birth of a fetus through incisions in the abdominal wall and the uterine wall. Post cesarean section abdominal distention may not be a serious complication but occurs frequently. It makes patients uncomfortable and affects their quality of life. Ginger has a long history of medicinal use to relieve abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect[5,6]. It can stimulate digestion, absorption, relieve constipation and flatulence by increasing gastrointestinal motility[7,8]. There has been no clinical trial to investigate the use of ginger in the prevention of abdominal distention in post cesarean section women. Secondary aims were to evaluate the severity of abdominal distention, quality of life, time to first flatus and defecation, maternal satisfaction, and side effects

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion