The Efficacy and Security of the Small Stitch Technique in Emergency Surgery

This study evaluates the abdominal closure technique in emergency surgery. Half of participants will be perform the classic Large Stitch technique, while the other half will undergo the Small Stitch technique.

The closure of laparotomy is one of the most important challenges facing the surgeon. The classic technique of wall closure is the Large Stitch technique that uses monofilament double-strand sutures with a SL/WL (Suture Lengh/Wound Lengh) 4:1 ratio, with a distance to the alba line and between each stitch of 1 cm. Nowadays, the Small Stitch technique is accepted as the technique of choice for closure of laparotomies in programmed surgery. It is based on a very long-term monofilament absorbable synthetic suture of Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (Monomax) 2/0 with HR (Half-circle Round body) 26 needle. Stitches should be given with a distance to the alba line of 0'5cm and 0'5 cm of separation between stitches. There are very few studies about the role of Small Stitch technique in the field of Emergency Surgery where the increased morbidity of the patient and the higher rate of surgical wound infection can play a fundamental role, and could be improved with the use of new abdominal wall closure techniques.