Closure of abdominal wounds with polydioxanone. A prospective study

D. J. Schoetz Jr, J. A. Coller and M. C. Veidenheimer
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Mass 01805.

Polydioxanone, an absorbable synthetic monofilament suture, was used to close abdominal wounds in 200 consecutive operative procedures. All patients were followed up for one year. Despite a high incidence of risk factors for impaired wound healing, the incidence of dehiscence and evisceration was zero; incisional hernia occurred in 2.9% of vertical midline wounds and in 3.6% of transverse incisions. This new suture material is safe and effective for closure of abdominal wounds.