title: Subcuticular skin closure using a 'blunt' needle.
abstract: Recognising the desirability of avoiding the use of sharp needles, especially for wound closure, this study was undertaken to determine whether it was technically feasible to perform a subcuticular skin closure with a 'blunt' Ethiguard needle (Ethicon Ltd). A total of 108 skin incisions was closed in 40 patients. In each case it was found that the needle successfully penetrated the subcuticular layers allowing the use of a standard subcuticular closure technique with the advantage of reduced risk of skin or glove puncture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabharwal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D009339:Needles; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques