Conventional running suture and continuous double loop closure: an experimental study of wound strength.
OBJECTIVE
To study the strength of laparotomy wounds closed by a continuous double loop technique or a conventional running suture, taking into account the ratio of suture length: wound length.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
60 Sprague-Dawley rats.


METHODS
Midline laparotomy incisions were closed with either a conventional running suture or a continuous double loop. Wounds were allocated to closure with a suture length: wound length ratio of 3, 4 and 7.


METHODS
Bursting pressure, bursting volume and the way the suture cut through the tissues.


RESULTS
With a suture length: wound length ratio of 3 or 4 bursting pressure and bursting volume were lower with a continuous double loop closure. A conventional running suture and a continuous double loop produced similar bursting pressure and bursting volume only if closure was with a ratio of 7.


CONCLUSIONS
Wound bursting strength is higher with a conventional running suture than with a continuous double loop closure when the effect of the suture length: wound length ratio is accounted for.
Cengiz
Y
Y
Department of Surgery, Sundsvall County Hospital, Sweden.
Månsson
P
P
Israelsson
L A
LA
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007813:Laparotomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures