Superficial wound disruption after cesarean delivery: effect of the depth and closure of subcutaneous tissue.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the depth of subcutaneous tissue at the operative site and the closure of subcutaneous tissue on abdominal wound disruption after cesarean delivery.


METHODS
164 women divided into two groups: 70 with subcutaneous tissue thickness of at least 2 cm and 94 with subcutaneous tissue thickness more than 2 cm. These groups were randomized to closure of the subcutaneous fat tissue or no closure with cesarean delivery.


RESULTS
In the 68 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness of at least 2 cm who completed the study, there was no difference between closure and no closure subgroups in terms of incidence of wound disruption. In 91 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness more than 2 cm who completed the study, the incidence of wound disruption was significantly higher in the no closure subgroup. In the no closure subgroup of 91 women with subcutaneous fat thickness more than 2 cm, the incidence of wound disruption was significantly higher than that of the 68 women with subcutaneous tissue thickness at least 2 cm.


CONCLUSIONS
Subcutaneous tissue approximation with absorbable suture at closure of the abdominal incision during cesarean delivery appears to reduce the rate of postoperative wound disruption in patients with more than 2 cm of subcutaneous tissue.
Cetin
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey.
Cetin
M
M
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*