title: Monofilament versus multifilament absorbable sutures for abdominal closure.
abstract: This study compares monofilament continuous absorbable sutures with multifilament interrupted absorbable sutures for abdominal closure. Before closure of an abdominal incision, 988 patients were randomized to receive either a monofilament polyglyconate (Maxon) or a multifilament polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) suture. At 1 year after operation, 684 patients (69 per cent) were examined for the presence of incisional hernia, sinus and other wound-healing problems; 179 (18 per cent) had died and 125 (13 per cent) did not attend for follow-up. Incisional hernia occurred in 8 per cent of patients receiving monofilament continuous sutures compared with 6 per cent of those having multifilament interrupted closure (P not significant). Wound dehiscence occurred in 1 per cent of both groups. The mean time for suturing was 7.1 min for monofilament continuous and 8.7 min for multifilament interrupted sutures (P < 0.001). It is concluded that closure of an abdominal incision can be effected by a monofilament continuous absorbable suture more quickly than by multifilament interrupted absorbable sutures without an increased risk of wound dehiscence or incisional hernia.
authors: Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Sahlin
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Ahlberg
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Granström
authors: K G
authors: KG
authors: Ljungström
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors