The Effect of Phenytoin Cream on Cesarean Wound Healing

Cesarean is one of the most common surgical procedures in obstetrics and gynecology. Poor wound healing and failure of incision are the main causes of complications after cesarean delivery. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of phenytoin cream on cesarean wound healing. This double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2012 on 80 candidate mothers for cesarean section in Imam Khomeini hospital of Ahvaz، Iran. Subjects were randomly divided into two phenytoin and placebo groups (n=40 for each). Cesarean wound healing was assessed using REEDA scale at days 7 and 14 after repair. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and independent t-tests، chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P value less than 0. 05 was considered significant. The mean scores of wound healing in phenytoin group were significantly lower than placebo group at days 7 and 14 after delivery (p=0. 001). There was a significant difference in total wound healing between two groups at day 14 after delivery (p=0. 003). Phenytoin cream has a significant effect on faster cesarean wound healing