Cesarean Birth Stitches

The healing process of cesarean deliveries takes place in the same period as in other major abdominal surgeries. For this reason, it is normal to experience pain in the seams and abdominal muscles. Pain during sitting and standing up, sudden movements and reflexes, aching seams when coughing are temporary effects from the surgery.

In cesarean section operations, layer-like stitches are applied in the abdomen and surrounding skin tissues. Stitches have a very important role in closing the skin, both cosmetically and preventing infection of the wound. In general, the incision applied in cesarean section is an incision called "pfannenstiel incision" applied horizontally in the lower part of the abdomen. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply a "midline incision" extending straight down from the navel. Although the incision applications are different, the same suture methods are used in both cases.

Which suture methods are used in cesarean delivery?

Stitching under the skin in a way that is not visible from the outside: This technique is called "subcuticular suture". It is usually made using self-melting suture materials, not individually, but continuously . This method is popularly known as aesthetic stitching. The reason for this is that the seam is not visible from the outside and leaves a very small amount of trace.

One-by-one suture method on the skin with staples: With this technique, the wound edges are closed by bringing them closer to each other with the stitches placed one by one, just like staples. One week after the operation, these staples are removed simply and painlessly.

Suture methods on the skin with a single thread: This type of suture is placed with sutures that do not dissolve on their own. However, it is not preferred much because the stitches must be removed one by one about 1 week after the surgery.

Adhesive tape method (Strip): It is the process of closing the opened wound edges by bringing them together with a transparent thin tape called a strip. This technique is a practical method that can be used on wounds that do not cause much tension.

Which method is most preferred among cesarean delivery sutures?

The most preferred method among cesarean section sutures is the "subcuticular suture", which is called aesthetic suture. But according to some researches, between the seams; When factors such as appearance, pain and infection were taken into account, no difference was found. However, subcutaneous subcuticular suture method is more preferred because it gives better results in terms of cosmetics.

When do cesarean sutures heal?

The closure of the wound with the applied suture heals in a short period of approximately 1 week. During this process, the wound should not be opened and care should be taken against the risk of infection. It takes 1 or 2 days for the top epithelial layer of the skin to form. For this reason, 3-4 days after the operation, it is possible to take a bath by avoiding the contact of the wounds.

In which cases should a doctor be consulted?

It is very normal to have mild stiffness and swelling in the areas close to the suture area in the first weeks. However, if there is an excessive swelling, especially a very large swelling in colors such as red and purple, it may mean hematoma, that is, blood collection. In such cases, you should inform your doctor. In case of opening of wounds, inflamed discharge and excessive pain, it is necessary to go to the doctor immediately.

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