[Role of modern absorbable suture materials in decreasing the occurrence of early complications after laparotomy].

UNLABELLED: Uncomplicated healing of surgical wounds is one of the most important factors which contribute to the success of operations. In particular dehiscence of laparotomy is an important complication associated with considerable morbidity and lethality. A number of factors which contribute to the healing of the surgical wound at the time of operation cannot be influenced, it is however possible to influence the technique of wound closure and the material used. The authors compare in their study early postoperative and long-term results of closure of laparotomy in three groups of patients where for closure of laparatomy PDSII loop suture was used, continuous suture with Vicryl and classical suture by individual silone stitches. The investigation revealed a significantly lower incidence of early postoperative complications in patients where modern absorbable materials were used, in particular early infections. The incidence of dehiscence of laparotomy or hernia in the scar did not differ significantly although in the group with absorbable materials, contrary to the group with silone, there was no dehiscence of laparotomy without an infectious complication of wound healing.

CONCLUSION: Empirical experience and the conclusions of some major investigations indicate that the best method of closure of laparotomy is continuous suture using absorbable material.