Closure of abdominal wounds with continuous nonabsorbable sutures: experience in 1697 cases

From September 1976 to September 1989, the author routinely used continuous nonabsorbable sutures for closing abdominal incisions in 1697 consecutive laparotomy patients, including 696 men and 1001 women. These cases did not involve any type of hernia repair. In addition to being quick and cost-efficient, the continuous technique allowed tension to be distributed evenly along the suture line. During a follow-up period of up to 13 years, six patients presented suture granulomas, and two had late incisional hernias (greater than six months postoperatively). No hematoma formation, infection, or suture-line disruption was encountered. The author concludes that continuous nonabsorbable sutures are preferable to interrupted nonabsorbable sutures for closing a wide range of abdominal incisions.