Skin closure after groin hernia repair in children : a comparative study of three suture materials and two suture techniques

ABSTRACT

Objective The surgical scar is of great importance both to the patient and surgeon. For the patient an ugly scar may not only present a cosmetic problem but in some cases it may also impair function; and the surgeon is always confronted with the problem of possible litigation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different suture materials and skin suture techniques on surgical scars. Patients and Methods Three suture materials (chromic catgut 3/0; silk 3/0 and nylon 3/0) and two skin closure techniques (transcutaneous interrupted mattress and subcuticular continuous running sutures) were compared in a randomized partially blinded fashion using a groin skin crease incision. The resulting scars were graded after two years using a conceived three-level scale. Results Subcuticular nylon sutures gave the best cosmetic results followed by subcuticular chromic catgut. Transcutaneous interrupted mattress silk sutures left the worst scars followed by subcuticular continuous running silk sutures. Conclusion The use of suture materials for skin closure is still the norm in developing countries. We therefore suggest that for any particular suture material; the subcuticular continuous running technique should be used and whenever possible the suture material of choice should be nylon