Demonstrating the cotton-tipped applicator method to standardize dermatologic surgery suture tail length

Abstract

Suture end length is an important indicator of knot integrity. Knots with an end length between 3 and 10 mm are less likely to come unraveled than knots with an end length of <3 mm.1 It is important, however, to cut the sutures short enough to prevent the ends from entangling. This can be achieved by cutting the sutures to a length that is less than the distance between sutures.2 For new learners and surgical assistants, measuring each knot end length before cutting is time consuming and laborious.