Improving the appearance of cesarean section scars
Post-Operative Cosmesis and Skin Closure Methods After Cesarean Section
This study is testing two different ways to close the skin after a cesarean delivery to see which one makes the scar look better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06412978 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates two different techniques for closing the skin after a cesarean delivery to determine which method results in better cosmetic outcomes. The techniques being compared are absorbable subcuticular polyglycolic acid staples and subcuticular polyglecaprone sutures. Given the high prevalence of cesarean deliveries in the U.S., optimizing surgical techniques could significantly impact patient satisfaction and recovery. The study is randomized, ensuring that participants are assigned to one of the two closure methods in a controlled manner.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-44 who are scheduled for a cesarean section and can receive neuraxial analgesia.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with a BMI over 40, those with prior cesarean deliveries, or those with certain medical conditions like connective tissue disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing cesarean deliveries.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing interest in optimizing cesarean delivery techniques, this specific comparison of closure methods is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-44 * Any race * Any parity * Scheduled cesarean section * Neuraxial analgesia Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English Speaking * Incarcerated * Maternal Connective Tissue Disorder * Systemic maternal steroid use * Three prior cesarean deliveries * Body Mass Index (BMI) \>40
Where this trial is running
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joshua F Nitsche, MD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Christina Tulbert
- Email: Christina.Tulbert@Advocatehealth.org
- Phone: 336.716.2383
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.