Bite Technique Research Articles

Encuesta nacional a unidades de cirugía colorrectal sobre el cierre de pared abdominal

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to assess the current status and knowledge of the Spanish colorectal surgeons on the wall closure. MethodsA single answer questionnaire of 25 closed questions was conducted using specific software for online surveys that was distributed to a cohort of colorectal surgeons. Results53 surgeons replied to the survey. The vast majority prefer a closure of the midlaparotomy with a very slow absorbing monofilament (67,92%) continuous suture (96,23%) in a single plane (81,13%). Mass stitches, retention systems, and loop sutures continue to be used. The most commonly used suture gauge was USP 1 (United States Pharmacopeia) (58,49%). The most commonly used needle is with a cylindrical body and a trocar tip. Only 50%, routinely perform wall closure after placement of a trocar equal to or greater than 10mm. Almost everyone knows the 4: 1 rule and thinks it should be applied, but the small bites technique is not performed. 50% would never place a prophylactic prosthesis. The closure is usually performed by the same surgeon who has performed the entire procedure. One out of five confesses not knowing the rate of incisional hernias in his unit. ConclusionThere is a lack of consensus and basic knowledge regarding the technical aspects of closure and the prevention of the appearance of incisional hernias. The use of slow absorbing monofilament continuous suture in a single plane seems well accepted.

Study of Different Methods of Midline Laparotomy Incision Closure and their Outcomes

Background: The closure of such a laparotomy wound is important to minimize the postoperative complications like wound pain, infection, dehiscence and incisional hernia. Aims: The objectives of this study was to study the various techniques of midline laparotomy incision closure and their outcomes like wound dehiscence, wound infection and incisional hernia up to six months. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients who were operated for midline laparotomy were included as subject material after they satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Most common indication of laparotomy in the study was gastric ulcer perforation. Incidence rate of surgical site infection, wound dehiscence and incisional hernia was lower in cases of smaller bite length. Incidence rate of surgical site infection wound dehiscence and incisional hernia was lower with continuous suturing. Conclusion: The study results showed that best technique for midline laparotomy incision closure is small bite continuous suturing with mass closure. The small bites technique with continuous suturing showed better results than small bite technique with interrupted suturing. Present study thus recommends that small bite continuous suturing with mass closure should be considered as the standard closure technique for midline incisions.

Liquid resorbable nanofibrous surgical mesh: a proof of a concept.

Surgical mesh is widely used not only to treat but also to prevent incisional hernia formation. Despite much effort by material engineers, the 'ideal' mesh mechanically, biologically and surgically easy to use remains elusive. Advances in tissue engineering and nanomedicine have allowed new concepts to be tested with promising results in both small and large animals. Abandoning the concept of a pre-formed mesh completely for a 'pour in liquid mesh' has never been tested before. Thirty rabbits underwent midline laparotomy with closure using an absorbable suture and small stitch small bites technique. In addition, their abdominal wall closure was reinforced by a liquid nanofibrous scaffold composed of a fibrin sealant and nanofibres of poly-ε-caprolactone with or without hyaluronic acid or the sealant alone, poured in as an 'onlay' over the closed abdominal wall. The animals were killed at 6weeks and their abdominal wall was subjected to histological and biomechanical evaluations. All the animals survived the study period with no major complication. Histological evaluation showed an eosinophilic infiltration in all groups and foreign body reaction more pronounced in the groups with nanofibres. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that groups treated with nanofibres developed a scar with higher tensile yield strength. The use of nanofibres in a liquid form applied to the closed abdominal wall is easy to use and improves the biomechanical properties of healing fascia at 6weeks after midline laparotomy in a rabbit model.

Closure of Iterative Laparotomy in Patients With Previous Mesh Reinforcement a Cohorts' Study. Short-Term Results.

Purpose: Due to extension of prophylactic mesh indications use will become more common to find patients receiving an iterative laparotomy (IL) over a previous reinforced abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes after IL in patients with previous mesh reinforcement. Methods: This study was a prospective secondary analysis of midline laparotomy closure performed from July 2017 to July 2018 registered in PHACPA study (NCT02658955). IL were included and surgery characteristics and outcomes analyzed. We compared two groups: with (PreM) or without previous prophylactic onlay mesh reinforcement (PreS) Subgroups' analysis, risk factors for complications and survival free hernia analysis were performed. Results: 121 IL were analyzed. Only obesity was associated with higher SSO (OR 2.6; CI 95% 1.02-6.90; p = 0.04) There were 15 incisional hernias (IH) (14.4%). Group with previous mesh reinforcement (pre M) had a higher statistically significative incidence of IH (OR = 1.21; CI 95% 1.05-1.39; p = 0.015). Use of slowly absorbable suture (OR = 0.74; CI 95% 0.60-0.91; p = 0.001), USP 2/0 suture (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10-0.94; p = 0.033), and small bites technique (OR = 0.81; CI 95% 0.72-0.90; p = 0.011) were associated with less IH. Conclusion: IL has a high percentage of complications and IH. In case of IL without previous reinforcement, a mesh can help to reduce IH. Our data cannot clearly support any technique to close an IL with previous mesh.

Evaluation of the results of midline laparotomy closure in emergency surgery after the introduction of the fascial closure with small bites technique

Revista monográfica de cirugía de la pared abdominal, digital y en lengua española. Artículos originales de investigación, editoriales, imágenes clínicas, cartas al director, reseñas de publicaciones, etc.

Comparative study of subcostal laparotomy complications using the small bites versus large bite technique

Revista monográfica de cirugía de la pared abdominal, digital y en lengua española. Artículos originales de investigación, editoriales, imágenes clínicas, cartas al director, reseñas de publicaciones, etc.

Short term outcome of midline laparotomies in view abdominalfascia closer

Background: This is a prospective non randomized observational comparative study for surgical site infections and surgical site occurrences after laparotomy fascia closer with two different techniques. Regular bite remains the standard of care in most hospitals. Laparotomies were done for elective and emergency cases.Methods: There were two techniques used to close abdominal wall fascia. The present study has evaluated small bite abdominal closer verses regular bite closer. Author and his team had used small bite fascia closer technique for all laparotomies, while other group of surgeons utilized regular bite fascia closer.Results: Out of 26 laparotomies in short bite closer, 8 had surgical site infections and surgical site occurrences, while 26 laparotomies in regular bite closer group had 15 patients with surgical site infections and surgical site occurrences. There is significant reduction in surgical site infection and surgical site occurrences observed in small bite abdominal closer group.Conclusions: It is recommended all laparotomies elective or emergent should be closed with small bite technique as it reduces surgical site infections and surgical site occurrences.

Small bite closure in midline laparotomy; A practice to reduce the surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and incisional hernia

Background: Postoperative wound site complications are a significant source of morbidity after midline laparotomy. The study's objectives were to compare the two suture patterns for fascial closure in midline abdominal wounds and their effect on postoperative wound site complications. Materials and Methods: Over 4 years, the prospective comparative study was conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital, Srinagar. All the patients ≥18 years and ≤70 years of age underwent midline laparotomy for various indications were included. Patients were randomized to two groups using computer-generated numbers based on closure techniques. Group A; Large Tissue Bite closure (10 mm from the wound edge and 10 mm apart and Group B; Small Tissue Bite closure (5–7 mm from the wound edge and 5–7 mm apart). Effect of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), albumin, and suture bite on postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Among 324 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age was 39.17 years, 84.56% were male with a Male: Female ratio of 5.48. Two hundred and two (62.35%) patients had large tissue bite closure, and 122 (37.75%) had small bite closure. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning age, sex, albumin levels, BMI, and type of surgery. About 35.64% of patients in the large tissue bite closure group and 19.67% patients in small bite closure developed surgical site infection (SSI) (P = 0.002). The difference in wound dehiscence between the two groups (15.84% vs. 7.38%) was statistically insignificant (P = 0.29). In midline laparotomy closure, the small bites technique results in significantly less incisional hernias than the large bites technique (P = 0.00001). None of our patients expired during the study period. Conclusion: The small bite technique substantially reduces SSIs, wound dehiscence, and incisional hernia. The accident-emergency and general surgery residents, in particular, should be made familiar with this technique to avoid postoperative wound site complications and improve the quality of postoperative life.

O03 SMALL BITES AND PROPHYLACTIC MESH TO PREVENT INCISIONAL HERNIA IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS. A MESH IS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL

Abstract Aim Small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and burst abdomen (BA). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both and to analyze its outcomes. Material and Methods Prospective data collection of all EMLs for one year. Results were analyzed at one month and during follow-up. The incidence of IH and BA was compared by groups depending on the use of a PM (M Group) or not (S Group), and in subgroups related to the closure technique: SB (Subgroups MSB and SSB) or not (Subgroups MLB and MSB). Results A lower number of BA was diagnosed in the M group (OR 0.0692; CI95% 0.008-0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. 163 patients completed a mean follow-up of 29.23 months, with a lower frequency of IH in M group patients (OR = 0.769; CI 95% 0.65 - 0.91; P < 0.0001). Same differences persisted after a propensity matching score: BA (OR = 0.355; CI 95% 0.255 - 0.494; P < 0.0001) and IH (OR = 0.394; CI 95% 0.24 - 0.61; P < 0.0001). Comparing suturing techniques by subgroups any difference in IH and BA appeared. PM was the main factor related to reduction of IH (HR 11.794; CI 95% 4.29 - 32.39; P < 0.0001). Conclusions A PM is the most powerful tool for prevention both IH and BA after EMLs, regardless of the closure technique in patients at high-risk for IHs.

O38 PROPHYLACTIC LIQUID MESH - A SMALL ANIMAL EXPERIMENT

Abstract Aim Background: Surgical mesh is widely used not only to treat but also to prevent incisional hernia formation. Despite much effort by material engineers, the ‘ideal' mesh mechanically, biologically and surgically easy to use remains elusive. Advances in tissue engineering and nanomedicine have allowed new concepts to be tested with promising results in both small and large animals. Abandoning the concept of a pre-formed mesh completely for a ‘pour in liquid mesh’ has never been tested before. Material and Methods Thirty rabbits underwent midline laparotomy with closure using an absorbable suture and small stitch small bites technique. In addition, their abdominal wall closure was reinforced by a liquid nanofibrous scaffold composed of a fibrin sealant and nanofibers of poly-ε-caprolactone with or without hyaluronic acid or the sealant alone, placed as an ‘onlay’ over the closed abdominal wall. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks and their abdominal wall was subjected to histological and biomechanical evaluations. Results All the animals survived the study period with no major complication. Histological evaluation showed an eosinophilic infiltration in all groups and foreign body reaction more pronounced in the groups with nanofibers. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that groups treated with nanofibers developed a scar with higher tensile ultimate and yield strength. Conclusions The use of nanofibers in a liquid form applied to the closed abdominal wall is easy to use and improves the biomechanical properties of healing fascia at 6 weeks after midline laparotomy in a rabbit model.

P054 REDUCTION OF FAILURE RATES AFTER INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR BY ADDING A PROPHYLACTIC MESH

Abstract Aim “Can a mesh reduce failure rates after closure of a hernia defect?” Material and Methods “Porcine abdominal walls and bovine flanks were used as model tissues. After preparation, a 15 cm long incision was placed in the linea alba of the porcine abdominal wall. An additional round 5 cm defect was punched in the middle of the incision. The bovine flank was prepared in a similar manner. The incisions with the defects were closed with running sutures in a small stitch, small bite technique. Monomax® 2-0 sutures were used with suture to wound lengths above 4:1. Dynamesh® CiCAT meshes of three different sizes were placed in the sublay position. The mesh-tissue compounds were investigated on our self-built hydraulic bench test simulating coughs. Dynamic intermitted strain (DIS) was repeatedly delivered with impacts around 210 mmHg. Each of ten preparation was loaded 425 times by the pressure peaks.” Results “Small stitch, small bite sutures using 2-0 Monomax® with a suture-incision-ratio of 4.5:1 can provide a durable defect closure. Under other conditions, suture lines can reopen. A mesh reduces the recurrence of incisional hernia depending on the mesh size.” Conclusions “An additional DIS-class A mesh in sublay position can provide sufficient support for a suture closing the defect of the abdominal wall. It can prevent a tear-out of the suture from the tissue. On average, a mesh-augmented defect closure reduces the recurrence rate of incisional hernia.”

Implementing a protocol to prevent incisional hernia in high-risk patients: a mesh is a powerful tool

PurposeThe small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by the guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and fascial dehiscence (FD). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both the techniques and to analyze its outcomes.MethodsProspective data of all EMLs were collected for 2 years. Results were analyzed at 1 month and during follow-up. The incidence of HI and FD was compared by groups (M = Mesh vs. S = suture) and by subgroups depending on using SB.ResultsA lower number of FD appeared in the M group (OR 0.0692; 95% CI 0.008–0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. After a mean follow-up of 29.23 months (N = 163; min. 6 months), with a lower frequency of IH in M group (OR 0.769; 95% CI 0.65–0.91; P < 0.0001). (33) The observed differences persisted after a propensity matching score: FD (OR 0.355; 95% CI 0.255–0.494; P < 0.0001) and IH (OR 0.394; 95% CI 0.24–0.61; P < 0.0001). On comparing suturing techniques by subgroups, both mesh subgroups had better outcomes. PM was the main factor related to the reduction of IH (HR 11.794; 95% CI 4.29–32.39; P < 0.0001).ConclusionFollowing the protocol using PM and SB showed a lower rate of FD and HI. A PM is safe and effective for the prevention of both HI and FD after MLE, regardless of the closure technique used.

Examination of abdominal wall perfusion using varying suture techniques for midline abdominal laparotomy closure.

With a growing interest in the primary prevention of incisional hernias, it has been hypothesized that different suturing techniques may cause various levels of tissue ischemia. Using ICG laser-induced fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA), we studied the effect of different suture materials and closure techniques on abdominal wall perfusion. Fifteen porcine subjects underwent midline laparotomy, bilateral skin flap creation, and three separate 7cm midline fascial incisions. Animals underwent fascial closure with 5 different techniques: (1) Running 0-PDS® II (polydioxanone) Suture with large bites; (2) Running 0-PDS II Suture with small bites; (3) Interrupted figure-of-eight (8) PDS II Suture, (4) Running 0-barbed STRATAFIX™ Symmetric PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device large bite; (5) Running 0-STRATAFIX Symmetric PDS Plus Device small bites. ICG-FA signal intensity was recorded prior to fascial incision (baseline), immediately following fascial closure (closure), and at one-week (1-week.). Post-mortem, the abdominal walls were analyzed for inflammation, neovascularity, and necrosis. PDS II Suture with small bites, fascial closure at the caudal 1/3 of the abdominal wall, and the 1-week time period were all independently associated with increased tissue perfusion. There was also a significant increase in tissue perfusion from closure to 1-week when using small bites PDS II Suture compared to PDS II Suture figure-of-8 (p < 0.001) and a trend towards significance when compared with large bites PDS II Suture (p = 0.056). Additionally, the change in perfusion from baseline to 1week with small bites was higher than with figure of 8 (p = 0.002). Across all locations, small bite PDS II Suture has greater total inflammation than figure of 8 (p < 0.001). The results suggest that the small bite technique increases abdominal wall perfusion and ICG-FA technology can reliably map abdominal wall perfusion. This finding may help explain the reduced incisional hernia rates seen in clinical studies with the small bite closure technique.

Abdominal incision defect following AAA-surgery (AIDA): 2-year results of prophylactic onlay-mesh augmentation in a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial

The reported incidence of incisional hernia following repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) via midline laparotomy is up to 69%. This prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted at eleven hospitals in Germany. Patients aged 18 years or older undergoing elective AAA-repair via midline incision were randomly assigned using a computer-generated randomisation sequence to one of three groups for fascial closure: with long-term absorbable suture (MonoPlus®, group I), long-term absorbable suture and onlay mesh reinforcement (group II) or extra long-term absorbable suture (MonoMax®, group III). The primary endpoint was the incidence of incisional hernia within 24 months of follow-up, analysed by intention to treat. Physicians conducting the postoperative visits and the patients were blinded. Between February 2011 and July 2013, 104 patients (69.8 ± 7.7 years) were randomised, 99 of them received a study intervention. The rate of incisional hernia within 24 months was not significantly reduced with onlay mesh augmentation compared to primary suture (p = 0.290). Furthermore, the rate of incisional hernia did not differ significantly between fascial closure with slow and extra long-term absorbable suture (p = 0.111). Serious adverse events related to study intervention occurred in five patients (5.1%) from treatment groups II and III. Wound healing disorders were more frequently seen after onlay mesh implantation on the day of discharge (p = 0.010) and three (p = 0.009) and six (p = 0.023) months postoperatively. The existing evidence on prophylactic mesh augmentation in patients undergoing AAA-repair via midline laparotomy probably needs critical review. As the implementation of new RCTs is considered difficult due to the increasing number of endovascular AAA treated, registry studies could help to collect and evaluate data in cases of open AAA-repair. Comparisons between prophylactic mesh implantation and the small bite technique are also required. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01353443. Funding Sources: Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany.

A Pilot and Feasibility Study to Evaluate Small and Large Bite Fascial Closure Techniques.

IntroductionFew randomized controlled studies have been conducted comparing a small to large fascial bite technique, yet recommendations have been made to standardize small bite closures. However, large scale randomized controlled trials require considerable effort and may benefit from a pilot study.MethodsThis multi-center randomized controlled pilot study of adult patients undergoing median laparotomy incision investigated the feasibility of studying the outcomes between small and large surgical closure techniques.ResultsFifty of 100 planned patients consented, 32 patients completed surgery, and 19 patients completed the one-year ultrasound. Enrollment was 2.7 versus 8 patients per month pre/post addition of a study coordinator. Clinical results are summarized for feasibility demonstration purposes, but not analyzed for hypothesis testing. The total cost of the pilot study was $19,152.50 and took 22 months from first surgery to final one-year ultrasound.ConclusionsThis feasibility assessment demonstrated the complexity of planning a large-scale randomized trial evaluating small and large bite surgical closure technique. To expand this pilot study to a full scaled sample size study would require dedicated personnel and large grant funding.

The prevention of extraction site incisional hernia after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Extraction site incisional hernia (IH) has been recognized as an important complication in minimally invasive procedures but has not been as well characterized following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Approximately 29% of IH required surgical repair. A number of techniques have been utilized to reduce the rates of IH following minimally invasive procedures. First, off-midline extraction was investigated, this did not demonstrate a reduction in incisional hernia rates. Recently, supra-umbilical transverse incisions have been utilized to extract prostate specimen and this method decreased the extraction site IH rate compared to the vertical midline incision. In addition, the choice of fascial closure technique and choice of the suture may influence the incidence of extraction site IH. For example, studies showed that abdominal fascial closure using a nonabsorbable suture and a continuous running suture technique decreased IH rate from 32 to 17%. Finally, "the small bites technique" has been recommended to reduce hernia incidence after midline fascial closure following a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which demonstrated the superiority of the small-bite technique. In summary, a supra-umbilical transverse incision to extract the specimen was shown to decrease the rate of extraction site IH. In vertical midline incisional closure, the small bites technique with slowly- or non-absorbable suture, such as #0 or 2-0 PDS II with SH or CT-2 needle (26mm arch length), reduces the IH rate. Urologists should consider this data to reduce the risk of IH following RALP.

Small bites technique for midline laparotomy closure: From theory to practice: Still a long way to go

BackgroundThe closure technique of the abdominal wall is a key factor in the development of incisional hernia. Our aim was to implement a protocol for closure of median laparotomy, to evaluate the grade of implementation, as well as to assess the results and safety of the technique. MethodsA series of formative activities to implement the small bites technique for closure of median laparotomy in elective operations were designed. After 1 year, a survey was conducted on knowledge and use of the technique. Prospective compilation of data of all median laparotomy in elective operations and their follow-up was done for 1 year. The incidence of incisional hernia depending on the fulfilment of the protocol was compared. ResultsA total of 74 surgeons participated in the activities. All the participants accomplished the technique perceiving low difficulty (1.9/10). After 1 year, 44 surgeons answered the survey; 95% stated that they knew the small bites technique and used it always or almost always, but only 52% performed the calculation of the suture length and the incision length ratio. A total of 114 median laparotomy in elective operations were analyzed; among them, 30.7% were closed with small bites presenting a lower frequency of incisional hernia and burst abdomen (small bites 3.6% vs large bites 12.1%; odds ratio 1.30; confidence interval, 0.992--1.711; P = .20). ConclusionThe measures were effective for learning, but education alone was not enough to implement the technique in the real scenario. Small bites technique is reproducible, has no risks, and provides low incidence of incisional hernia. More incentives and actions are needed to improve laparotomy closure.

Variation in abdominal wall closure techniques in lower transverse incisions: a nationwide survey across specialties.

Lower transverse abdominal incisions are typically used by obstetricians/gynecologists and colorectal surgeons. The suture technique and choice of material when closing the abdomen is an essential factor to decrease the risk of incisional hernia. We conducted a nationwide survey among obstetricians/gynecologists and colorectal surgeons investigating the surgical handling of the fascia, rectus muscle, subcutis, peritoneum, and skin, in lower transverse incisions. All departments of obstetrics/gynecology and departments of surgery performing colorectal surgery in Denmark were invited to participate. An online questionnaire was sent to consultant obstetricians/gynecologists and colorectal surgeons. The survey consisted of demographic information together with questions on surgical details. The study was reported according to STROBE guidelines. A total of 252 (64.5%) consultants provided a complete response to the survey. We found that 98.0% of the colorectal surgeons and 65.8% of the obstetricians/gynecologists used monofilament suture when closing the fascia. The majority of the colorectal surgeons used continuous suture and small bites technique. This was only the case for half of the obstetricians/gynecologists. Approximately two thirds of the colorectal surgeons and one third of the OB/GYN used the suture length to wound length ratio > 4:1. Furthermore, we found significant differences between the groups in the handling of subcutis, peritoneum, and skin. We found significant variation in abdominal wall closure techniques in lower transverse incisions. Disagreement between the current guidelines within the specialties together with insufficient evidence on the closure of lower transverse incisions emphasizes the need for education as well as further studies.

Abdominal midline wound closure with small bites versus large bites: a randomized comparative trial

Background: The optimal strategy of abdominal wall closure after midline laparotomy has remained an issue of ongoing debate to minimize incidence of incisional hernia which occurs in 10 to 23% cases postoperatively. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of small bites versus large bites suture technique in reduction of incidence of the complications like pain, wound infection, wound dehiscence, seroma formation and incisional hernia by using polydioxanone no.1.Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 patients undergoing elective surgery who were randomly allocated into group A and B. Group A were the patients in which midline abdominal wound closure was done with small bites and group B were the patients in which midline abdominal wound closure was done with large bites. Then the patients were followed up for 6 months to observe any complications.Results: A mean additional closure time of 9 minutes was seen with the small bites technique. The mean suture length was more in small bites group as compared to large bites technique. There was no difference in the visual analog scale score between the two groups. No significant difference was seen in the incidence of major and minor wound infection postoperatively in both the groups. Small bites technique reduced the incidence of suture sinus and incisional hernia compared to conventional large bites technique.Conclusions: It can be concluded that the small bites suture technique is more effective than the traditional large bites technique for prevention of all post-operative complications.

Large and Uneven Bites in End-to-End Anastomosis of the Rat Femoral Artery.

Successful microvascular anastomosis depends on sutures that adequately oppose both cut vessel edges. Trainees tend to take oversized or uneven bite. To improve early microsurgical skill acquisition using the rat, this study tests the belief that such bites compromise early patency by applying exaggerated bites to end-to-end arterial anastomoses. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the four bite techniques to be applied to both femoral arteries (mean diameter, 0.8 mm). Large (L) and standard (S) bites measured 1.0 and 0.2 mm from the edge, respectively. Eight simple interrupted anastomoses were performed per bite technique, each labeled according to every proximal end bite size, followed by every distal end bite size: LL, LS, SL, and SS. Anastomosis time and blood flow rates were recorded and analyzed statistically. After sacrifice 5 days postoperation, anastomosis sections of each technique were examined histologically. All 24 anastomoses (100%) maintained patency for 5 days. There was no statistical difference between all postoperative blood flow measurements at any given time. Anastomosis times using LL, LS, SL, and SS bite techniques were 41.6, 33.2, 34.8, and 25.5 minutes, respectively. Anastomosis time for the traditional bite technique (SS) was significantly shorter than all other bite techniques (p < 0.05). Histological examination of the harvested segments from each group revealed similar pathophysiological features. Oversized bites (1 mm), placed symmetrically and asymmetrically across the anastomosis, do not affect early patency in the rat femoral artery. A reduced reliance on conventional guidelines for suture bites appears acceptable during microarterial anastomoses if the goal is vessel patency. However, we believe clinical competence involves the ability to place small, even bites consistently and uniformly. During microsurgical training, the occasional large bite need not be replaced; however, the trainee should be encouraged to take standard bites.