Simultaneous repair of cutaneous and subcutaneous wounds using a single suture technique.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a single suture technique for the simultaneous repair of cutaneous and subcutaneous wounds.

METHOD: Skin and subcutaneous wounds of >3cm in size were repaired using a single suture technique. Different suture sizes were chosen for different wounds. Timing of suture removal was decided according to body area and wound healing status.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were treated (41 women and 37 men). Mean age was 31.7 years (range: 14-72 years). At one month postoperatively, 56 patients attended a follow-up visit and 27 patients attended at six months postoperatively. Local infection was observed in one patient and wound dehiscence observed in two patients after suture removal. Resulting scars were similar to those of other types of suture techniques.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a single suture technique for the simultaneous repair of cutaneous and subcutaneous wounds. It is easy to learn and perform. This technique reduces the risk of infection, cost and procedure time.