The Role of an Oral Nutrition Supplement to Improve Cesarean Section Scar Appearance (A Case Report) (P12-049-19).

Objectives: Introduction: Scar assessment scales are used for a number of scars related to surgical procedures, burns and trauma. These objective and subjective scales help to assess the physical characteristics, pathological wound healing and overall esthetics related to scarring. Select nutrients play a vital role in tissue repair and wound healing.

Methods: Case Description: A 28-year old female underwent a cesarean section delivery due to a frank breech positioning of the baby. The patient was considered to be within a healthy BMI range pre-pregnancy (BMI = 23.5) and consumed an overall healthy diet, as determined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. After surgery, she consumed two packets of Juven© daily mixed with 500-1000 mL water, for two weeks, to aid in wound healing. This oral nutrition supplement is composed of L-arginine, L-glutamine, collagen protein, β-hydroxy-β -methylbutyrate and vitamins and minerals; each nutrient with evidence-based support to boost wound healing. An obstetrician performed scar evaluations at two-weeks postpartum to identify short-term wound outcomes. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (score 5 of 5) and the Manchester Scar Scale (score 8 of 18) revealed positive measures.

Results: Discussion: Pathological scarring can be associated with substantial physical and psychological complications. Women who undergo cesarean sections are seeking ways to minimize the physical scar appearance and pathological wound healing. A twice daily supplementation of Juven© can assist in improvement in the visual cosmetic appearance and overall physical characteristics of scarring due to cesarean section. According to the results from scar scales utilized in this case, this surgical incision indicates "best possible scar".

Conclusions: An oral nutrition supplement, used as an intervention post-cesarean section, can optimize scar appearance and overall wound healing. This case report gives insight as to how nutrition can play a role in revitalizing standard treatment after surgery. While this is just one case, there is an opportunity to enhance the physiological and psychological recovery from surgical scars, such as from a cesarean section.

Funding Sources: No funding to report.