Comparison of Sutured versus Non-Sutured Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the necessity of suturing subcutaneous fat tissue in elective abdominal surgery. Methods: 415 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were admitted to the trial. The patients were divided into two basic groups according to wound contamination: clean operations (n = 201) and clean-contaminated operation (n = 214). Subcutaneous suturing of the subcutaneous fat tissue was performed in half of the patients in each group, determined using the envelope method (‘Suture Yes’ or ‘Suture No’). Wounds were checked on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, and 30. Infectious and non-infectious wound complications were charted in the records. Data were statistically analyzed. The percentages of complications in groups with and without subcutaneous suturing were statistically compared using Yates’ corrected χ² two-tailed test. Results: There were no statistically significant group differences in infectious and non-infectious wound complications. Conclusion: These results suggest that omission of subcutaneous fat tissue suturing does not increase the occurrence of infectious or non-infectious wound complications.

Subcutaneous Suture Can Accelerate Wound Healing of Lower Midline Incision: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Clinical trials and animal experiments 12 have shown subcutaneous suture could enhance wound healing. In contrast, Paral and Agbakwuru [13][14][15] in their report rejected the benefits of subcutaneous suture. However, our data support the positive suggestion.…”

“…A drawback was that different incision types were included in a study. 14 Excessive research objectives will reduce statistical homogeneity and validity. To make our results convincing, we focused on role of subcutaneous suture in lower midline wound healing.…”

Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Triclosan-Coated Sutures on Surgical Site Infection after Colorectal Surgery

“…Taken singularly these elements have not been identified commonly as relevant variables for the occurrence of postoperative infections. Obesity is a wellrecognized risk factor [35], whereas the role of PPBLI versus other drugs as prophylactic agent [36], a single dose versus repeated antibiotic doses [37], and suturing versus not suturing of the subcutaneous layer [38] have been reported as comparable for the risk of SSI. The description of the SSI risk according to different combinations of the these variables showed that when all risk factors were present (obesity, suture of subcutaneous tissue, multiple antibiotic doses, and not using PPBLI) the risk was approximately 30% and only when obesity was not present was the risk reduced by 50% regardless the type of suture used.…”

Prevention of Incisional Surgical Site Infection Using a Subcuticular Absorbable Suture in Elective Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer

“…[14][15][16] The suturing of fat tissue during wound closure is a classical surgical procedure that, by closing the potential dead space, is understood to decrease the risk of fluid collection in the wound and infectious complications. [17][18][19][20] However, fragile fat tissue cannot be joined in the same manner as peritoneal, fascial, or skin layers. 21 Stitches segment the fat layer, which can result in multiple, separate fluid deposits.…”