Efficacy of knotless barbed versus conventional sutures for uterine closure during cesarean section: A prospective comparative study

TL;DR

This study compares knotless barbed sutures with conventional sutures for uterine closure during cesarean sections, finding that the knotless option is faster and more efficient.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the operational efficiency and hemostatic benefits of knotless barbed sutures in uterine closure.

Findings

Knotless barbed sutures reduced uterine incision closure time and total closure time significantly.

Knotless barbed sutures required fewer extra hemostatic sutures.

Knotless barbed sutures resulted in thicker scars at 6 weeks post-surgery.

Abstract

Cesarean section is a typical surgical practice whereby a good uterine closure is essential for maternal outcomes. Conventional
suturing involves knot-tying, which may take long and may weaken the integrity of tissues. This study involves a comparison between
knotless barbed sutures (KBS) and the use of conventional sutures (CS) to close the uterus in case of cesarean delivery. In an 80-women
prospective comparative trial, KBS decreased the uterine incision closure time (8.58 ± 1.18 min vs. 10.18 ± 1.81 min,
p=0.002) and total closure time (27.77 ± 4.73 min vs. 30.95 ± 3.08 min, p=0.001) significantly. The extra hemostatic
sutures required were significantly reduced in KBS (5% vs. 27.5, p=0.006). The thickness of the scar at 6 weeks (4.23 ± 0.90 mm
vs. 3.54 ± 0.60 mm, p<0.001), was larger in the KBS. Knotless barbed sutures have considerable benefits on efficiency of
operations, hemostasis and tissue healing of cesarean uterine closure.