Does method of closure effect cesarean wound healing? Stapler versus absorbable sub-cuticular closure done in a tertiary hospital, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative wound complications for women undergoing cesarean delivery constitute a major cause of morbidity. Data on wound healing based on the type of cesarean wound closure is limited. In this study, we assess the outcome of stapler versus absorbable sub-cuticular suture for skin closure of the cesarean wound.

Method: Prospective observational study. All cesarean section patients during the period of six months (Dec 2019 to May 2020) at Patan Hospital, Nepal, whose skin closure was done by sub-cuticular suture or stapler technique were recruited in the study. Ethical approval was obtained. These patients were followed up postoperatively on the 10^th day for wound outcome (redness, edema, hematoma, seroma, discharge, gaping). Number and proportion were calculated, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test at 95% confidence interval were used to see the association and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Result: Out of 379 patients, 26(6.9%) were lost to follow-up. Among 353 patients, an unhealthy wound was seen in 7(1.98%) during follow-up. Of these unhealthy wounds, closure with stapler technique was 5(71.4%) and by sub-cuticular technique, 2(28.6%), statistically significant with a p-value of 0.014.

Conclusion: Cesarean wound closure by sub-cuticular technique had a better wound outcome compared to closure by staplers.