Closure of the abdominal fascia after clean and clean-contaminated laparotomy
Larsen, P.N.; Nielsen, K.; Schultz, A.; Mejdahl, S.; Larsen, T.; Moesgaard, F.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica 155(9): 461-464
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5482 PMID: 2531963 Document Number: 332379
This prospective, randomized study compares continuous absorbable suture (Dexon), continuous nonabsorbable suture (Surgilon) and interrupted absorbable suture (Dexon) for fascial closure of clean and clean-contaminated laparotomy wounds. Three months postoperatively, the overall frequencies were for wound dehiscence 0% (0/238), wound infection 5.5% (13/238), hernia formation 0.4% (1/238) and sinus formation 0% (0/238). After a median period of 41 months (range 14-59 months) a physical examination was performed in 93.7% (224/238) of the patients and the observed overall frequency of hernia was 3.1% (7/224). No difference was detected in incidence of wound complications when comparing the three groups. We conclude that layered closure of a laparotomy wound is safe whether using nonabsorbable or absorbable sutures and whether applying a continuous or interrupted technique in the fascial closure of clean and clean-contaminated wounds.