Subcuticular Suture Versus Staples for Closure of the Skin After Caesarean Section.

Subcuticular Suture Versus Staples for Closure of the Skin After Caesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Single-blinded Case-Control Study With the Case as it's Own Control.

The Purpose of this study is to compare two methods for closure of the skin after caesarean section on the same patient; staples and subcuticular sutures. The study is performed on two separate groups of patients: 1. Woman having cesarean section for the first time and have not previously had abdominal surgery through a lower abdominal transverse incision. 2. Woman, who have previously had a caesarean section done. The following parameters are registered:

1. An objective evaluation of the two ends of the scar 6 months postoperatively.
2. A patient evaluation of the two ends of the scar 6 months postoperatively.
3. The difference in pain in the two ends of the scar 1 day postoperatively (blinded).
4. The difference in pain in the two ends of the scar 7 days, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
5. The rate of infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Woman having elective or level III caesarean section. Level III caesarean section is defined as being ordered more than 30 minutes before surgery is started.
• Woman who speak and understand Danish
• Woman who can give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Level I or II caesarean section (ordered less than 30 min. before surgery is started).
• Diabetics (this does not include gestational diabetes).
• Infection
• Regular treatment with immunosuppressives
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Age under 18
• Chronic pain disease eg fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis
• BMI over 35
• Previous abdominal surgery through lower transverse abdominal incision (only applicable to woman having caesarean section for the first time).