The effect of coffee consumption on postoperative pain and bowel motility following cesarean section: a randomized...

Cesarean section is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide and is often followed by complications such as postoperative pain and delayed bowel function. Recent studies emphasize the value of simple, non-pharmacological interventions to support recovery and patient well-being.

This study aimed to investigate whether postoperative coffee intake affects pain levels and bowel motility in women undergoing cesarean delivery.

The present randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines from May to December 2024. A total of 57 women were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 29) or the control group (n = 28). Participants in the intervention group received 100 mg of caffeine in coffee at the 6th and 12th hours after surgery, in addition to routine postoperative care. The control group received only routine postoperative care. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and bowel activity was monitored through time to first defecation, gas passage, and bowel sounds. Independent and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

The groups showed homogeneous distribution in terms of baseline demographics. Pain scores at 6 h were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001). First defecation occurred earlier in the intervention group (7.31 ± 1.16 h) than in the control group (11.25 ± 1.26 h) (p < 0.001). Gas passage was also significantly more frequent in the intervention group (p < 0.001).

Coffee consumption in the early postoperative period may offer a simple, low-cost method to reduce pain and enhance bowel recovery after cesarean section. These findings support its potential integration into routine postoperative care.

NCT06359223 (date: May 20, 2024).