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Deep Suture Spacing - Effect on Wound Closure Outcomes

Eshagh K, Sklar LR, Pourang A, et al.
Dermatologic Surgery (2022)

JC: October 2022

This study investigated how the spacing of deep (buried) sutures affects wound closure outcomes including dehiscence, cosmetic appearance, and scar width. Results demonstrated that wider suture spacing did not significantly compromise wound outcomes compared to closely spaced sutures, suggesting that fewer deep sutures may be acceptable in many closures.

Take-Home Messages

  • •Wider deep suture spacing can achieve comparable wound outcomes to closely spaced sutures in appropriately selected closures.
  • •Reducing the number of buried sutures may decrease operative time and foreign body burden without sacrificing cosmesis.

Topic

Wound Healing

Second intention healing, wound management, scar optimization

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Sutures TechniquesSutures Materials

Abstract

Surgical reconstructions following Mohs micrographic surgery and standard surgical excisions are often closed with two layers of sutures: a deep subcuticular layer and a superficial cuticular layer. Some surgeons feel the need to place many deep sutures in order to reduce tension on cuticular sutures, as they believe this may decrease incidence of track marks and dehiscence, and lead to better cosmetic outcomes. However, others feel that a higher number of subcuticular sutures increases the r...

Literature review only. This summary is an editorial interpretation and may not reflect the complete findings of the original publication. Always refer to the full-text article for clinical decision-making.