The benefits of using barbed sutures with automated suturing devices in gynecologic endoscopic surgeries

Laparoscopic suturing and knot tying are some of the most difficult surgical skills to acquire, and are often times regarded as a rate-limiting step in the performance of advanced gynecologic endoscopic procedures. Automated suturing devices can significantly decrease the steep learning curve of this task but still require laparoscopic knot tying. Barbed sutures offer several advantages including rapid, consistent wound closure with even distribution of tension across the wound, the suture holds tension on its own, the need for knot tying with associated issues related to suture tensile strength and knot security is eliminated, and suturing time is decreased. Use of a barbed suture with an automated suturing device can offer many advantages to both the novice and the experienced surgeon, including increased efficiency, more uniform wound closure, and the ability to perform a laparoscopic continuous running stitch without the need for intracorporeal knot tying.