Scar appearance of different skin and subcutaneous tissue closure techniques in caesarean section: a randomized study

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of skin and subcutaneous space closure in caesarean section on the cosmetic appearance of the scar and the patients' satisfaction.

Study design: 153 patients undergoing caesarean section without prior abdominal delivery were included and randomly assigned in a non-blinded study to four different combinations of skin and subcutaneous tissue closure. The scar was assessed after a period of at least 4 months by a self-developed protocol and the patient was asked to complete a survey regarding her satisfaction with the scar.

Results: One hundred patients were eligible for long-term evaluation of the scar. Skin closure by either staples or intracutaneous suture in combination with closure or non-closure of the subcutaneous space has a comparable outcome in view of cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: All four methods of skin closure seem to be a reasonable choice in caesarean section because they have comparable cosmetic outcome, do not differ with respect to the patients' satisfaction and bear comparable costs.