Three techniques for skin closure in caesarean section (stapler, absorbable subcuticular, non-absorbable subcuticular suture)

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Caesarean section is the most commonly performed surgery in obstetrics. Skin closure after surgery can have an important bearing on the post operative recovery. This study was done to compare the effect of skin closure technique and material on post Operative Swelling & induration, Wound discharge ,Cosmetic outcome (Vascularity, Height of wound), Satisfaction about scar & mean time for skin closure. Methods: This study was conducted on 156 woman admitted to the labour room in SVBP Hospital associated to LLRM Medical college Meerut, from 1st June 2014 to 1st July 2015 who underwent caesarean section. Patients undergoing primary caesarean section with Pfannenstiel or Transverse incision were included. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the type of skin closure method (Group A-Surgical Staples, Group B-Non absorbable subcuticular stitch, Group C-Absorbable Subcuticular Stitch). Results: In our study, swelling, induration & wound discharge were more in patients receiving staplers. Patients were most satisfied with the absorbable suture technique. Interpretation & Conclusions: In terms of wound complications after 6 weeks of skin closure in caesarean section, satples, non absorbale & absorbable sutures have no major differences. Absorbale sutures for skin closure in caesarean section provide best results in terms of patient satisfaction about scar. Key words: Skin closure, Caesarean section, Staplers, Sutures