There is currently no conclusive evidence about how the skin should be closed after caesarean section. Staples are associated with similar outcomes in terms of wound infection, pain and cosmesis compared with sutures, and these two are the most commonly studied methods for skin closure after caesarean section. If staples are removed on day three, there is an increased incidence of skin separation and the need for reclosure compared with absorbable sutures.

Editorial group: Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. Publication status and date: New search for studies and content updated (no change to conclusions), published in Issue 9, 2012. Review content assessed as up-to-date: 30 June 2012.