Early Postpartum Perineal Repair or C-Section Suture Removal Reduces Pain Without Wound Complications [7J]

INTRODUCTION: To describe postpartum sutures or staples related pain resolution and wound healing in patients with perineal repair or C-section who underwent early sutures or staples removal. METHODS: All patients in an outpatient obstetric clinic who delivered between June 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and received sutures or staples in wound closure were invited to participate in this prospective observational study of early sutures or staples removal by day four to seven postpartum. Pain scores were recorded for activities of standing, walking, and sitting from a preset scale of zero to five before and after sutures or staples removal. With six weeks postpartum visit, wound healing was evaluated. Pictures were taken from those who consented. RESULTS: A total of 68 participants were included in this prospective observational study. 52 participants underwent vaginal deliveries with perineal repair and 16 participants underwent C-sections prior to inclusion of this study. When pain scores were three or above, there was reduction of pain scores of two or more. Excellent wound healing was observed at six-week postpartum visits. CONCLUSION: Early sutures or staples removal in postpartum patients reduced pain without compromising wound healing. This suggests the utility of early sutures or staples removal in postpartum patients can reduce analgesic use and improve quality of life.