Postoperative satisfaction and acceptability following caesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial comparing abdominal binder with sham binder use
Post cesarean delivery
Eligible participants will be fitted with an appropriately sized abdominal binder (elastic, breathable, latex-free binder size S/ M/L/XL) after transfer out from the operating theatre. For the application of the appropriate abdominal binder according to the abdominal circumference, the abdomen will be measured with a standard measuring tape. Participants will be instructed to wear the binder continuously for the first 24 hours, only removing it for hygiene or clinical indications. Nursing staff will check binder fit and ask for symptoms of irritation or discomfort, and document any removals. The method of randomisation will be by sealed envelopes. Control/ Sham group: Participants allocated to the control group will receive a sham binder (tension-free binder). Binders will be pre-marked, and patients will be instructed to fasten the binder only up to the marked site to prevent tension application. The type and quality of the binder will be identical to that of the intervention group. Standard care: Both groups will continue to receive routine postoperative care and standard analgesia according to hospital protocols. Compliance with the abdominal binder will be monitored, and time off from the use of the abdominal binder will be recorded. Any skin changes while on the abdominal binder will be assessed and recorded.
1. Age ≥18 years 2. Gestational age ≥36 weeks 3. Able to provide informed consent
1. Caesarean delivery performed under general anaesthesia 2. Intraoperative blood loss >1 litre 3. Presence of abdominal drain or additional surgical procedures 4. History of chronic pelvic pain 5. Inability to fit the abdominal binder 6. Unable to attend physical clinic follow-up