A Comparative Study of Wound Outcomes Following First, Second, and Third Lower-Segment Caesarean Section

Background: Caesarean section is one of the most commonly performed obstetric surgical procedures. Postoperative wound complications, including surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, haematoma and delayed wound healing, contribute to maternal morbidity. The number of previous caesarean deliveries may influence operative complexity and postoperative recovery. The aim is to compare postoperative wound outcomes among women undergoing their first, second and third lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS). Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study is proposed involving 500 women undergoing LSCS at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants will be categorised into three groups according to the number of the current caesarean delivery. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, comorbidities and perioperative variables will be recorded. Postoperative wound outcomes, including surgical site infection, wound discharge, wound dehiscence, haematoma and delayed wound healing, will be assessed during hospitalisation and at a predefined follow-up visit. Appropriate statistical tests will be used to compare the groups, and multivariable regression analysis will be performed to identify independent predictors of wound complications. Results: The primary outcome will be the incidence of postoperative wound complications in the three groups. Secondary outcomes will include individual wound complications, time to satisfactory wound healing and associations between maternal or perioperative risk factors and adverse wound outcomes. The findings will be determined after analysis of the collected patient data. Conclusion: Comparing postoperative wound outcomes across the first, second and third LSCS groups may help clarify the relationship between the number of caesarean deliveries and wound morbidity. Evaluating maternal and perioperative risk factors may support the identification of women requiring closer postoperative surveillance and contribute to improved wound management.