Delayed primary closure of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in abdominal surgery

Infection-prone abdominal incisions in 143 patients were managed by delayed primary closure of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall. The overall wound infection rate was 1.4% and the rate for 74 open, large bowel operations was 2.7%. These rates compare favourably with a rate of 3.1% for clean inguinal hernia repairs done by the same surgical team over the same period. Delayed primary closure, carried out on the ward 3 days after operation, was simple, easy and did not prolong hospital stay. Its use is recommended in closing all abdominal wounds associated with a special risk of infection.