The abdominal bandage is routinely removed at 24 hours post-cesarean. It is undetermined whether earlier removal of the bandage has any effect on wound healing or patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized control study between August 2013-January 2015 in which low-risk women aged 18-44 having an elective primary, first, or second repeat cesarean were randomized for bandage removal at either 6 or 24 hours postsurgery. Skin closure was with staples in all cases. The primary outcome was postoperative wound complications, defined as either disruption (skin dehiscence or deeper), seroma/hematoma, or infection. Also examined was patient satisfaction with the timing of their ability to wash or shower after bandage removal. RESULTS: A total of 320 women were randomized, 160 in the 6 hour group and 160 in the 24 hour group. The groups were comparable in age, gravidity, parity gestational age, BMI, length of operation, and duration of hospital stay. The proportion of primary and repeat cesareans was similar. There was no difference in wound complications between the groups, although there was increased satisfaction in the 6 hour group. CONCLUSION: Early removal of the bandage at 6 hours following cesarean has no detrimental effect on incision healing. Early removal permits the woman to attend to personal hygiene earlier, which results in increased satisfaction with her post-operative recovery.
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