ABSTRACT
This study included 147 unpremedicated women undergoing elective and emergency CS under general endotracheal anesthesia. Cases were randomly assigned into two groups: In group I [n = 72], only IV fluids were given and nothing was allowed per mouth until the appearance of intestinal sounds and at least for 24 hours and group II [n = 75]received only oral fluids freely after recovery. The two groups were comparable as regards age, parity, duration of pregnancy and indications for CS. The two groups were compared for onset of peristalsis, first passage of flatus, first bowel motion and for the occurrence of abdominal distension and vomiting. Sodium and potassium levels and hematocrit value were determined 24 hours postoperative. The results revealed that immediate oral hydration group had earlier onset of peristalsis, rectal gas emission and first bowel motion. There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards the occurrence of postoperative vomiting, distension or electrolyte levels