Primary mass closure of fascial incisions using a continuous absorbable suture.
Investigations with animal models and reported studies from the obstetric and gynecologic literature as well as the general surgical literature have suggested that a single mass closure is equal or superior to interrupted suture techniques.  Over a 12-month period, 150 patients were operated on using a continuous mass technique for fascial closure with No.1 polydioxanone suture (PDS).  One hundred thirty-five patients (90%) had risk factors that placed them at increased likelihood for wound complications.  No fascial disruptions occurred.  Wound complications were noted in 15 patients (10%).  This technique merits wider use.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
J I
JI
Sorosky
W J
WJ
Hewett
P F
PF
Kaminski
E S
ES
Podczaski
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures