Skin closure at laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To discern the best method of wound closure after laparoscopy based on patient acceptability of pain, complications, and cosmetic result.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective study.


METHODS
A university-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-four women. Interventions. The women received interrupted 3-0 nylon sutures, subcuticular 3-0 polyglactin 910 sutures, or adhesive strips for skin closure. At the umbilical port site the rectus sheath was closed with a single 0 polyglactin suture and then one of the three materials for skin closure. The lateral ports were closed with a combination of these materials, allowing each patient to act as her own control.


RESULTS
Pain was significantly less in wounds closed by subcuticular technique than in those closed by either transcutaneous suture or adhesive strips. This was seen for the 5-mm, 10-mm, and umbilical port sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of reported complications or patient satisfaction between subcuticular and transcutaneous wound sites.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe these results support subcuticular methods of wound closure after laparoscopic procedures.
Rosen
D M
DM
St. George Private Hospital, 1 South Street, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia 2217.
Carlton
M A
MA
D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures