Prevention of Wound Complications After Cesarean Delivery in Obese Women Utilizing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Wound complications after Cesarean section (C-section) are common in obese women.
Approximately 25% of obese women having a C-section will have a wound complication. This
research study is designed to assess whether applying a source of vacuum (suction) to the
wound can reduce the risk of wound complications. The investigators plan to enroll 220
women into the study.

Women will be randomly selected to receive standard stitching and stapling of the incision
(cut on the abdomen) or closure with stitches, staples and wound suction. Subjects will be
seen for follow-up visits in 7-14 days and again at 4-6 weeks after surgery. The number of
wound complications in each group will be compared. If the wound suction technique is
successful in preventing wound complications, this may substantially reduce pain and
suffering in a large number of women undergoing C-section for delivery.