Continuous versus disrupted subcutaneous tissue closure in cesarean section: A retrospective cohort study
Roy Lauterbach1, Chen Ben David1, Gal Bachar1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
Summary
Continuous subcutaneous closure during cesarean delivery (CD) significantly reduces surgical-site infections (SSIs) compared to interrupted closure. This technique also lowers readmission and fever rates, improving maternal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Surgical Infection Prevention
Background:
- Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are a significant complication following cesarean delivery (CD).
- The choice of subcutaneous tissue closure technique may influence SSI rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the rates of surgical-site infections (SSIs) between continuous and interrupted subcutaneous tissue closure techniques in cesarean delivery (CD).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 6281 women undergoing CD between 2008 and 2018.
- Comparison of SSI rates between continuous and interrupted subcutaneous tissue closure groups.
- Exclusion of women with pre-existing infectious morbidity.
Main Results:
- Continuous closure was associated with significantly lower SSI rates in both elective (2.7% vs. 4.5%) and emergent CD (3.2% vs. 5.4%).
- Secondary outcomes, including readmission rates and postoperative fever, were also lower with continuous closure.
- The findings were consistent across nulliparous and multiparous women.
Conclusions:
- Continuous subcutaneous tissue closure is a superior technique for reducing surgical-site complications after cesarean delivery.
- This method offers potential benefits in lowering postoperative morbidity and improving patient recovery.
