Is C-section a risk factor for the early onset of irritable bowel syndrome?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are controversial data in literature regarding the influence of abdominal and pelvic surgery on the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess whether women who had a C-section (cesarean section) are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) early after delivery than those who have given birth naturally. METHOD: A cross-sectional study investigated women who had undergone C-section and were compared with a control group of women who had natural delivery. Data were obtained from Maternity Ward of Korce Hospital, in Albania. We conducted a telephone interview based on a questionnaire containing items to diagnose IBS based on the Rome IV criteria. The interviews were conducted 9 to 12 months after delivery. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS in both groups taken together 4.6%. In the C-section group, prevalence of IBS was 4.3%, while in the control group it was 5.2%. All the patients with IBS had subtype with predominance of constipation. The RR 0.814 (CI 95%, 0.1423–4.66) does not confirm the hypothesis that C-section may induce early onset of IBS more often than natural birth. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS was (4.6%), within the known range of the Rome Foundation Global Study. Delivery by C-section does not have a role in developing IBS symptoms more than delivery by natural way in this group of Albanian women.