A Prospective Study to Compare the Suture Technique (Continuous Versus Interrupted) in Prevention of Burst Abdomen

Background: Wound dehiscence after laparotomy remains a serious complication. Postoperative complete wound dehiscence, being an unfortunate and also a very serious complication, is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate despite the most sophisticated intensive care these patients receive today. Aims: The present study was undertaken to assess the proportion of burst abdomen in post midline laparotomy patient using interrupted X suture versus continuous suture technique in sheath closure. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomised study was designed wherein a total of 100 patients undergoing midline laparotomy at one of the surgical units at S.M.S. Hospital Jaipur were recruited randomly after taking written informed consent. In the study group of 50 cases, sheath closure was done by using interrupted X suture and the same was compared with an equal number of control group (n = 50) in which sheath closure was done by continuous suture technique. Results: There was 01 burst abdomen (out of total 48) in the study group, whereas 08 burst abdomen (out of total 49) was observed in the control group. The RR (Relative Risk) of burst abdomen in study group was 0.127. (p value 0.0246). Conclusion: The interrupted X suture technique is better than continuous suture technique in prevention of burst abdomen in both emergency as well as elective laparotomy.Emergency laparotomy is associated with higher rate of burst abdomen as compared to elective laparotomy, but by using interrupted X suture technique in closure of sheath wound dehiscence can be prevented up to some extent.