title: Avoiding stitch abscesses in subcuticular skin closures: the L-stitch.
abstract: A potential problem with the standard method of skin closure in pediatric surgery is the development of a skin abscess. To avoid this problem, we introduce a new stitch--the L-stitch. The technique involves passing the suture subcuticularly at the end of the incision and redirecting the needle at a 90 degree angle from the previous suture, before bringing it out to the skin surface. This stitch can be used in place of the initial and finishing knot of a running suture. It takes less time to perform than a square or a surgeon's knot and is less bulky. This technique is straightforward and, when used in conjunction with adhesive skin closure strips, provides strong, reliable skin closure, yielding excellent cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. raman_chaos@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Raman C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mahabir
authors.forename: Blair
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Geoffrey K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Blair
authors.forename: Donald G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures