Conventional running suture and continuous double loop closure: an experimental study of wound strength.

OBJECTIVE: To study the strength of laparotomy wounds closed by a continuous double loop technique or a conventional running suture, taking into account the ratio of suture length: wound length. DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: 60 Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Midline laparotomy incisions were closed with either a conventional running suture or a continuous double loop. Wounds were allocated to closure with a suture length: wound length ratio of 3, 4 and 7. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bursting pressure, bursting volume and the way the suture cut through the tissues. RESULTS: With a suture length: wound length ratio of 3 or 4 bursting pressure and bursting volume were lower with a continuous double loop closure. A conventional running suture and a continuous double loop produced similar bursting pressure and bursting volume only if closure was with a ratio of 7. CONCLUSIONS: Wound bursting strength is higher with a conventional running suture than with a continuous double loop closure when the effect of the suture length: wound length ratio is accounted for.