Suprasymphyseal transverse skin incision and aesthetic outcome in cesarean delivery - 10-year cohort study of 500 patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess safety, feasibility, and aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing suprasymphyseal transverse skin incision (SSTI), at 0 cm from the pubic symphysis, during cesarean section (CS). The primary goal was to evaluate patients' satisfaction regarding the aesthetic effect of the CS scar by using a patient survey.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This single-center study included 500 female patients who underwent CS delivery using the SSTI technique. Patient data were collected from institutional records, including operative notes, follow-up records, and patient surveys. A patient survey regarding satisfaction with the CS scar was conducted for 3 months postoperatively. It included a visual analog scale ranging from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (strongly satisfied), a question about objective scar problems, and about willingness to recommend this incision.

RESULTS

The SSTI was successfully used in all patients with no intraoperative conversions to higher incisions. Among patients, 382 had primary cesarean deliveries, 115 had second repeat cesareans using the same skin incision, and 3 had third-time cesareans also utilizing the same incision. The overall wound complication rate was low (4.4%), with no significant differences across the number of cesarean deliveries. Aesthetic outcomes and scar concealment were subjectively rated as highly satisfactory by patients, with 9.6 out of 10 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The SSTI technique appears to be a safe, feasible, and cosmetically favorable option for CS, even in repeated procedures. Wound complications occurred in a small percentage, while aesthetic outcomes, especially scar position at the pubic line, were subjectively rated as highly satisfactory by patients.