Heart-shaped tension-reducing suturing versus conventional interrupted suturing alleviates perineal pain, accelerates resolution of suture reactions, and improves scar quality in primiparous women undergoing perineal repair.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of the heart-shaped tension-reducing suture (HSTRS) versus interrupted suture (IS) in scar quality and postoperative pain relief in primiparous women.

METHODS

In this study, 142 women were allocated to HSTRS (n = 61) or IS (n = 81). Pain score was assessed via NRS at multiple timepoints; suture reactions were graded (0-III), and scar quality was evaluated using VSS, OSAS, and PSAS at 42 days, 90 days, and 180 days.

RESULTS

The HSTRS group showed significantly lower pain scores (P < 0.0001), faster resolution of suture reactions, and superior scar outcomes across all scales and timepoints (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

HSTRS significantly improves perineal scar quality, alleviates postoperative perineal pain, and accelerates resolution of suture reactions compared with interrupted suturing, supporting its application for better postpartum perineal recovery.