Comparing Skin Closure Methods to Improve Body Image and Mood in Women Undergoing Gynecologic Cancer Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how two different skin closure methods affect body image and mood in women undergoing surgery for gynecologic cancers. The study focuses on patients having elective surgery with a vertical midline abdominal incision, aiming to understand whether the closure technique influences patients feelings about their body appearance, cosmetic satisfaction, and anxiety or depression levels. This research also assesses the safety of the subcuticular suture method by monitoring wound complications such as infections or wound separation. Participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups one group will have their incision closed with continuous subcuticular sutures using absorbable material, while the other group will receive interrupted skin closure using either metal staples or interrupted mattress sutures, based on standard practice. These closure techniques will be compared throughout the study. Participants will complete questionnaires evaluating body image and mood before surgery and again at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Researchers will also monitor wound complications during these follow-ups. The main outcome measured is the change in Body Image Scale scores from before surgery to each post-operative time point, along with changes in anxiety and depression scores. The study runs from surgery through six months of follow-up to track both psychological and physical healing outcomes.

Effect of Skin Closure Techniques on Body Image in Women Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery