Suture Material and C-Section Scar Niches: A Comparative Study

Defective healing of the uterine wound after a Cesarean section (CS) can lead to the formation of a CS niche (CSN). The specific technique used for closure and the type of suture material chosen are often overlooked factors that might contribute to the development of these niches. This study aimed to compare how frequently CSNs occur when the CS hysterotomy is closed using barbed suture material versus conventional vicryl suture material, with assessments primarily done via transvaginal ultrasound (TVS).

The methodology involved closing the CS hysterotomy with a double-layer technique using unlocked continuous running sutures, where the first layer included the decidua and was overlapped by the second. Researchers evaluated several aspects, including the duration and feasibility of the hysterotomy closure, the grade of postoperative pain, and the length of hospital stay. Transvaginal ultrasounds were conducted monthly for three months post-operatively to monitor for CSN development and to gather descriptive measurements of any niches found. The absence of a CSN was considered an indicator of surgical success.

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Key information

Conditions

Cesarean Section Complications

Age range

22 year–47 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Benha university

Banhā, El Qalyoubia, 13511, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients planned for CS delivery either on emergency or elective bases for singleton fetus in cephalic presentation;
Patients were free of exclusion criteria;
Patients who signed the written consent to participate in the study and attend the postpartum follow-up for three months.

Exclusion criteria

Patients who had multiple pregnancy;
Patients who had fetus in abnormal lie or presentation;
Patients who had previous repair of CSN;
Patients with uncontrolled DM or hypertension;
Patients who had maintained on immunosuppressive therapies, had autoimmune disorders;
Patients who refused to sign the written consent were excluded from the study.

Treatment and study plan

Braded Suture material

Other

The Cesarean section hysterotomy was closed using a double-layer technique involving unlocked continuous running sutures. The first layer incorporated the decidua, which was then overlapped by the second. The suture material used for this closure was barbed suture; which is absorbable synthetic monofilament polydioxanone with bars.

Other names: Absorbable synthetic monofilament polydioxanone with bars

Multifilament vicryl suture material

Other

Primary outcomes

Surgical Success Rate in Relation to Suture Material

Time frame: 3.5 Months

The comparison of the overall surgical success rate, defined by the absence of a Cesarean section niche (CSN), between groups using different suture materials, alongside the quantitative differences in descriptive metrics of any formed CSNs.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Benha University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of Suture Material Used for Cesarean Section Hysterotomy Closure on the Frequency of Scare Niche Formation

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Aug 3, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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