Subcuticular versus interrupted skin closure in appendectomy

ABSTRACT

A comparative study of skin closure technique in patients undergoing appendicectomy is presented. Fifty patients operated for uncomplicated [non gangrenous, non perforated] acute appendicitis were randomly divided in two groups. In one group the skin wound was closed with simple interrupted stitches while the other group underwent a subcuticular closure. The average skin closure time in first group was 3 min and in the other it was 4.5 min. The patients in Subcuticular closure group needed less post op analgesia, and were more pleased with the scar. The wound infection rate in both groups was same [4%]. We recommend Subcuticular closure in appendicectomy because of better cosmesis, with no added risk of wound infection