A randomized study comparing skin closure in cesarean sections: staples vs subcuticular sutures.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to compare postoperative pain according to the skin closure method (subcuticular sutures vs staples) after an elective term cesarean section.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial of 101 women was performed. Women were randomly assigned to subcuticular sutures or staples. Operative technique and postoperative analgesia were standardized. Stratification was used for primary vs repeat cesareans. Analog pain and satisfaction scales ranging from 0-10 were completed at postoperative days 1 and 3, and at 6 weeks postoperatively. A digital photograph of the incision was taken at 6 weeks postoperatively and evaluated by 3 independent blinded observers.


RESULTS
Pain at 6 weeks postoperatively was significantly less in the staple group (0.17 vs 0.51; P = .04). Operative time was shorter in that group (24.6 vs 32.9 minutes; P < .0001). No difference was noted for incision appearance and women's satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Staples are the method of choice for skin closure for elective term cesareans in our population.
Rousseau
Julie-Anne
JA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada.
Girard
Karine
K
Turcot-Lemay
Lucile
L
Thomas
Nancy
N
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D014945:Wound Healing