Continuous Running Sutures: A Modification for Progressive Tension Abdominoplasty

Abstract

Advancements in abdominoplasty surgical techniques have been few and slow over the past few decades. Some of the more notable improvements have been Dr. Lockwood’s high lateral tension technique1 and Drs. Pollock and Pollock’s progressive tension suture technique.2 In my experience, the latter of these is the most noteworthy and has proven to be the most significant advancement in abdominoplasty technique. Progressive tension suturing offers the advantages of decreased seroma formation and reduction of the transverse incision tension with subsequent improvement in scarring. The need for drains is also eliminated, which improves postoperative care, decreases cost, and increases patient comfort. However, even with the advantages of the progressive tension suture technique, there has been concern among surgeons regarding the increased surgical time it requires. Reports have been published by Rosen3 and Warner and Gutowski,4 who have advocated use of continuous running Quill sutures (Quill SRS, Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vancouver, Canada) to …