Comparison of Interrupted Vertical Mattress versus Continuous Subcuticular Sutures for Skin Closure in Elective Caesarean Section: A Prospective Comparative Study at District Hospital Kishtwar

Background: Caesarean section remains a major operative procedure in obstetrics, accounting for approximately 20-30% of deliveries globally. The choice of skin closure technique influences postoperative wound complications and cosmetic outcome. Interrupted vertical mattress sutures provide rapid closure with wound eversion, while continuous subcuticular sutures offer superior cosmesis but require technical expertise. Objective: To compare interrupted vertical mattress sutures with continuous subcuticular sutures regarding wound infection, dehiscence, pain, operative time, and cosmetic outcome following caesarean section. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted at District Hospital Kishtwar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jammu & Kashmir, India from January 2025 to June 2025. A total of 100 women aged 18-40 years at gestation 37-41 weeks undergoing elective caesarean section via Pfannenstiel incision were allocated into two groups: Group A (continuous subcuticular polyglactin 2-0, n=50) and Group B (interrupted vertical mattress silk 2-0, n=50). All patients received single preoperative ceftriaxone 1gm IV, IV ceftriaxone BD ×3 days, then oral cefuroxime 500mg BD ×7 days. Primary outcomes were wound infection and dehiscence at 7-10 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain (visual analogue scale), operative time, and cosmetic appearance at 6 weeks. Statistical analysis used chi-square test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables; p