A Comparison of Skin Closure Techniques after Primary Cesarean Delivery. Traci N. Gray, M.D. and Peter F. Schnatz, D.O.

A prospective, observer blinded, randomized, and controlled trial comparing Dermabond closure technique to suture closure of skin.

Study Participants: All women age 18years or older who provide informed consent prior to primary Cesarean delivery at Hartford Hospital. Women with vertical skin incisions and or who are febrile preop or intraop will be excluded.

Methods: Qualified participants will then be randomized to skin closure with either Dermabond or suture. Surgeon preference will dictate usage of 4-0 monocryl or 4-0 vicryl for skin closure for patients randomized to the suture arm.

• The circulating nurse will time all skin closures.
• The surgeon will complete a 3 question survey immediately postop.
• At the 6 week post partum visit, patients and the health care professional will complete a brief query regarding cosmetic appeal and pain. A disposable camera will be supplied to each provider office and a photo will be taken of the incision.
• All photos will be evaluated for cosmesis by physicians who will be blinded to the methods of skin closure.

Primary Outcomes: To compare the time needed to close skin. To compare cosmetic outcome after healing

Secondary Outcomes: Patient Pain scores. Provider and patient satisfaction. Responses to questions.