[Skin closure. A prospective randomized study].

Abstract

This prospective randomized study included 100 patients with inguinal hernia and 66 patients operated on for acute appendicitis. In half of each group the skin was closed with a continuous subcuticular resorbable suture, and in the other half with a monofilament nylon matress suture. The patients were followed up after three weeks and again after three months. There was no obvious difference in cosmetic result between the two methods of skin closure. In the patients with inguinal hernia or non-perforated appendicitis there was no increase in postoperative infection of the wound after subcuticular suture. In the case of perforated appendicitis there may have been an increase in infection of the wound after subcuticular suture. Continuous, subcuticular resorbable suture used on the right indications can give a good cosmetic result and few complications of the wound. Further more, a separate outpatient visit for removal of skin sutures or staples can be avoided.