Please login or create an account. If you do not have access to this content, you will be shown a 30 second preview and licensing options.

  • Presentation

5 Techniques You Didn't Know You Couldn't Live Without (and a Bit About Suture)

Description

In a presentation, Andrew Hart Weinstein from Boynton Beach, FL, shares five essential suture techniques and discusses the intricacies of suture materials. He emphasizes the importance of understanding suture qualities such as breaking strength retention (BSR) and tensile strength, particularly knot tensile strength for effective knot tying during surgeries. Weinstein introduces novel suturing techniques such as the Sicum stitch, which combines two buried vertical mattress sutures for enhanced closure without tension, and the percutaneous vertical mattress for tight spaces. He illustrates how to implement a running Sicum stitch or 'zipper' technique that provides vertical closure and reduces scarring. By the end of the presentation, Weinstein encourages the audience to rethink their current stitching methods, advocating for techniques that promote better healing outcomes and reduced tension on wounds. Through demonstrations and visual aids, he aims to equip attendees with actionable skills and a deeper understanding of suturing in clinical practice.

View more

Conclusions

  • Understanding suture material properties is essential for effective surgical outcomes.
  • The choice of suture material should be based on its tensile strength and breaking strength retention characteristics.
  • Not tensile strength is crucial to prevent breaks during knot tying, emphasizing the importance of suture selection based on intended use.
  • The Monocryl suture exhibits superior tensile strength compared to Ethilon, challenging common assumptions about their performance.
  • Utilizing a combination of suturing techniques can enhance wound closure efficacy, particularly when addressing deep or tension-laden wounds.
  • Techniques such as the Subcutaneous Inverted Cross Mattress Stitch (SICM) and the Pulley stitch offer innovative solutions for managing tension in closures.
  • Advanced techniques like the Zipper stitch can provide aesthetically pleasing results while maintaining structural integrity.
  • Effective suture techniques can significantly decrease tension and improve hemostasis during surgical procedures.
  • Adams B, Levy R, Rademaker AE, Goldberg LH, Alam M. Frequency of Use of Suturing and Repair Techniques Preferred by Dermatologic Surgeons. Dermatol Surg 2006;32:682-689.
  • Zitelli JA, Moy RL. Buried Vertical Mattress Suture. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1989;15:17-19.
  • Yag-Howard C. Novel Approach to Subcutaneous Closure: The Subcutaneous Inverted Cross Mattress Stitch (SICM Stitch). Dermatol Surg 2011;37:1503-5.
  • Kantor J. The Fascial Plication Suture: An Adjunct to Layered Wound Closure. Arch.
  • Collins SC, Whalen JD. Surgical Pearl: Percutaneous Buried Vertical Mattress for The Closure of Narrow Wounds. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:1025-6.
  • Yang DJ, Venkatarajan S, Orenga I. Closure Pearls for Defects Under Tension. Dermatol Surg 2010;36:1598-1600.
  • Yag-Howard C. Zipper Stitch: A Novel Aesthetic Subcutaneous Closure. Dermatol Surg.