Subumbilical midline incision versus pfannenstiel incision for caesarean section

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the type of skin incision for Caesarean Section on the incision-delivery interval, and fetomaternal outcome.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with convenient sampling involving two groups of women who underwent primary lower segment transverse caesarean section. Standard surgical techniques were used in both groups except the technique of skin incision: subumbilical midline or Pfannenstiel.  A comparison of the two groups were made with regard to incision delivery interval, duration of surgery, day of oral intake,  day of ambulation, duration of hospital stay, wound infection and estimated blood loss.  Data was managed using SPSS software. Chi-Square test and Student t-test were used for analysis. P value was placed at P<0.05.
Results: 200 women were studied (96 allocated to subumbilical midline and 104 to Pfannenstiel group).  There were no significant differences between both groups in terms of incision delivery interval and duration of surgery.  Those with Pfannenstiel incision were significantly associated with early oral intake, early ambulation, shorter duration of hospital stay  and reduced risk of wound infection (P=0.001).  Neonatal Apgar scores were better in Pfannenstiel group.
Conclusion: Pfannenstiel skin incision  is associated with less morbidity and earlier recovery.