The Origin and Development of Interrupted Subcuticular Suture: An Important Technique for Achieving Optimum Wound Closure

Abstract

BACKGROUND Subcuticular suture is an important technique for achieving optimum wound closure, and there has been no comprehensive summary of subcuticular sutures to date. OBJECTIVE To summarize the origin and development of interrupted subcuticular suture to help clinicians improve their wound closure skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive review of subcuticular suture techniques was conducted in PubMed to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of various methods and clinical indications. RESULTS Buried suture is the oldest subcuticular suture technique, followed by buried vertical mattress suture, intracutaneous butterfly suture, modified/variant buried vertical mattress suture, intradermal buried vertical mattress suture, buried horizontal mattress suture, wedge-section and modified buried vertical mattress suture, set-back suture, and modified buried horizontal mattress suture, which have gradually been applied in clinical practice. Buried vertical mattress suture is currently the most widely used subcuticular suture technique. CONCLUSION Patients can certainly benefit from the appropriate application of subcuticular suture. There is also no single ideal method for achieving optimal results in all cases. Fully understanding the history of subcuticular suture can help doctors improve their wound closure technique.

An approach for cutting interrupted buried dermal sutures

“…Buried dermal sutures are commonly utilized for wound closures, achieving superior aesthetic outcomes and a low risk of wound infection. 1 , 2 Suture tail length, the length of the suture beyond the knot, is an important factor in ensuring satisfactory wound healing. Excessively long suture tails can protrude through the skin and predispose to wound infections.…”

A prospective study on vertical mattress suture and subcuticular suture skin closure techniques in inguinal hernia repair cases

“…For the treatment of inguinal hernias, William S. Halsted was the one who initially recommended the use of hidden sutures. 4 A single, brief locking stitch is all that is needed to secure the repair distally after using the standard subcuticular approach to close the incision. The ends of the suture are clipped flush with the skin after being passed through the wound and emerging from the skin distal to the apex.…”