A randomized trial of abdominal incision suture technique and wound strength in rats
M. H. Seid, L. M. McDaniel-Owens, G. V. Poole Jr and G. R. Meeks
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether interrupted en bloc suture or continuous
running mass suture technique for closure of abdominal incisions results in
stronger wounds, and to determine the time required for each technique.
DESIGN: Randomized trial. SETTING: Arthur C. Guyton Animal Facilities,
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson. SUBJECTS: Male
Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTION: A midline laparotomy was performed on
103 rats that were separated into two groups using computer-generated
random numbers. In group 1, incisions were repaired using a continuous mass
closure suture technique. In group 2, incisions were repaired using an en
bloc interrupted suture technique. OUTCOME MEASURES: Wound bursting
pressure was determined on postoperative day 7. The time required to repair
each incision was recorded. RESULTS: Continuous mass closure suture
technique resulted in significantly greater wound strength (P < .05) and
required significantly less time (P < .000001). CONCLUSION: Continuous
mass closure suture technique is superior to interrupted en bloc closure
with respect to wound strength and closure time.
