“Gunsight” Skin Incision and Closure Technique for Stoma Reversal

Abstract

Several techniques have been described in the literature for skin closure following stoma reversal. We describe the "gunsight skin closure" technique and highlight its potential advantages. Four triangles of skin are excised to enlarge the skin incision. This increases exposure for mobilization of the bowel. The resulting skin wound is approximated with a pursestring suture to give a small, neat scar that allows some central drainage. The final wound resembles a gunsight. This method of skin closure allows increased surgical exposure, facilitates creation of a subsequent stoma at the same site, simplifies wound care, and gives a neat cosmetic result.