A randomized trial of abdominal incision suture technique and wound strength in rats.

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.