Pfannenstiel incision closure: a review of current skin closure techniques

The goal of any skin closure technique is to produce appropriate skin approximation and adequate healing while minimizing pain, wound complications, cost, and scarring; the technique should be quick, cost-effective, and simple, while maximizing wound cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Although many studies have shown the superiority of staples for speed of closure, it is unclear if staples give a superior cosmetic result or reduce pain. Several randomized controlled trials have found that sutures are superior for cosmesis and that they decrease postoperative pain and are more cost-effective. There remains a paucity of data on wound infections and complications associated with closure technique. This review summarizes studies to date evaluating outcomes associated with wound closure using staples and sutures in repairing abdominal incisions and, in particular, assesses outcomes in the obstetric population with a Pfannenstiel incision.