Sutures vs. Staples Skin Closure After C-section in Obese Patients

Staples Compared With Subcuticular Suture for Skin Closure After Cesarean Delivery in Obese Patients

This is a randomized prospective clinical trial designed to determine the wound complication rates for stainless steel staples versus subcuticular suture for skin closure in the obese parturient (BMI≥ 30kg/m2) undergoing cesarean delivery.

Inclusion criteria:

• 18 years or older
• BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 on admission to labor and delivery
• Patient is for scheduled cesarean delivery or in non-emergent labor but has an indication for cesarean delivery
• Singleton pregnancies
• Gestational age ≥ 24weeks
• Cesarean delivery performed under regional anesthesia

Exclusion criteria:

• Refusal to participate
• BMI < 30kg/m2
• < 24 weeks gestation
• Intrauterine fetal demise
• Chronic pain syndrome requiring chronic narcotic use
• Emergent clinical situations which preclude obtaining informed consent