Wound Length Ratio Research Articles

Educating Residents in Abdominal Wall Closure: An Overview.

Background and Aims: Incisional hernia prevention has become an important concept for surgeons operating on the abdominal wall. Several techniques have been proposed to help decrease incisional hernia formation with suture closure of the abdominal wall being one of the cornerstones. Technical details that have been reported to decrease incisional hernia rates include achieving a 4:1 Suture to Wound length ratio and the use of a small bites technique. Despite evidence to support many of these techniques there appears to be a gap in practice patterns amongst practicing surgeons. Introducing and promoting these principles in surgical residency may help to close this gap. This paper reviews our experience with surgical training for abdominal wall closures at our institution. Materials and Methods: Programs and projects related to abdominal wall closure were reviewed from our institution from 2010-Present. Type of project, intervention, and impact on education was evaluated and summarized. Results: Seven projects were identified relating to surgical training and abdominal wall closure. Three projects dealt with skills training using an abdominal wall simulation model and related to suturing techniques. Two projects were clinical studies focused on suture to wound length ratios and improving outcomes with this variable in a residency training program. Two projects dealt with models relating to abdominal wall closure and education. Conclusion: Implementation of educational programs in surgical residency programs can lead to improvements in technique and knowledge around abdominal wall closure and help in research endeavors.

Effect of Suture Length on the Incidence of Incisional Hernia and Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Midline Laparotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The development of an incisional hernia is a common complication of midline laparotomy. Improper fascial closure techniques have a significant role in its development. It can also lead to poor wound healing and increase the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSI). Upon conducting a thorough literature review, various studies have been conducted on closing abdominal wounds. However, there is a dearth of studies portraying the role of suture length in the prevention of incisional hernia and SSI. The effect of using a greater suture-to-wound length ratio on postoperative outcomes was not clearly analyzed or described. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of using a suture length to wound length ratio ≥4:1 versus a ratio <4:1 in preventing postoperative complications such as incisional hernia and SSI. This study is a systematic review of randomized controlled trialson abdominal wound closure using a suture length to wound length ratio of≥4:1 and <4:1. published in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. The relevant studies identified from 1991 to 2017, were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was the incidence of incisional hernia, and the secondary outcome was the incidence of SSI. This meta-analysis considered five randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of using different suture lengthto wound length ratios during abdominal closure on incisional hernia and SSI. Participants ranged in size from 100 to 363. The trial follow-up period ranged from a minimum of 10 months to five years. The outcomes studied in the two groups were incisional hernia and SSI. The relative risk of the occurrence of incisional hernia if the suture length to wound length ratio was ≥4:1 was 0.42 with a p-value of <0.001 which was considered significant. This implied that usinga suture length of more than four times that of the wound i.e., 4:1, significantly decreases the risk of developing an incisional hernia by more than half. The relative risk of developing a SSI was 0.98 with a p-value of 0.966. Thus, this method of abdominal closure uing a longer suture length to wound length ratio does not contribute to an increased incidence or significant change in the risk of developing SSI.

Cyclic pulse loads generate the new concept in abdominal wall reconstruction: suture closure

Aim: Incisional hernias frequently occur after open abdominal surgery. Up to 30% of elective midline laparotomy closures result in an incisional hernia. The properties of a safe abdominal wall reconstruction must be assessed under lifelike conditions to obtain a realistic estimate of the durability. The interplay of the biomechanical qualities determines the long-term stability of a repair. Various suture materials and techniques for optimal closure of the abdominal wall are still under discussion. The results of this experimental study might significantly affect the active discussion about optimal suturing techniques for median abdominal wall closure. Methods: For this purpose, a bench test was developed that delivers repetitive cyclic pressure impacts to the abdominal wall, simulating coughs. This allows the assessment of the reconstructed abdominal wall as a compound. We used stiff porcine abdominal walls and elastic bovine flanks as model tissues. We chose two different types of defects. Type one consisted of a 15 cm long medial incision, whereas for type two, a 5 cm circular defect was added in the center of the incision. The incisions were solely sutured in large-bite (0.8-1.2 mm bites) or small-bite (0.5-0.8 mm bites) technique with Monomax® or PDS® sutures USP 2-0 or USP 1. The suture to wound length (SWL) ratio had to exceed 4:1. After suturing, the tissues were subjected to repetitive cyclic loading on a validated bench test. Results: We found that regardless of technique and material thickness, secure closure of median abdominal wall incisions is feasible by suturing. In larger defects, the small bites technique using Monomax® sutures achieves a safer closure compared to PDS® sutures. Conclusion: Based on the results of this experimental study, a tailored standardized closure technique after midline incision of the abdominal wall, including an optional mesh augmentation, is recommended.

6:1 Suture or Wound length ratio with the short stitch technique – a reality check on practicability and short term outcome

Aim: To analyze laparotomy closure of conventional midline and transverse abdominal incisions in elective and emergency laparotomies with a longterm, absorbent, elastic suture material. Method: Prospective, single centre, non randomised, controlled cohort study on short stitches with a longterm resorbable, elastic suture (material: poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) aiming at a 6:1 suture to wound (SL/WL) length ratio in midline and transverse, primary &amp; secondary laparotomies for elective &amp; emergency surgery. Results: We included 351 patients (♂: 208; ♀: 143), midline (n=194), transverse (n=103) and a combined midline/transverse L-shaped (n=54) incisions. There was no stitch performance quality difference between elective (n=296) and emergency (n=55) operations, while results in the first 150 patients showed a significantly reduced SL/WL-ratio to the following 200 suture closures (SL/WLratio: 5.64±2.5 vs 6.1±2.3, p&lt;0.001). Average SL/WL-ratio in general was better for midline than transverse incision sutures (6.62±2.5 vs 4.3±1.51, p&lt;0.001). SL/WL-ratio varied among the 6 surgeons participating, although results steadily improved and eventually approximated each other. Conclusions: We could show that a 6:1 SL/WL-ratio with a 2-0 single, ultra-long term, absorbent, elastic suture material can be significantly performed better in midline than transverse incisions. Transverse incisions should preferably be closed in 2 layers in order to achieve a sufficient SL/WL-ratio equivalent to the median incision. While on an individual level, results varied between surgeons, quality will improve and eventually approximate.

Decreasing Incisional Hernia by Teaching 4:1 Suture to Wound Length Ratio Early in Surgical Education

Incisional hernia formation has become a major burden for our healthcare system. One factor that has been shown to reduce incisional hernia rates that can be impacted on by the surgeon is the ability to achieve a 4:1 suture to wound length ratio. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a focused educational program for surgical residents can help improve laparotomy closures and be successful in achieving 4:1 suture to wound length ratios. Following Institutional Review Board approval, consecutive abdominal wall closures were reviewed from December 2013 to July 2016. S:W length ratios were calculated in all cases and after 100 cases a formal audit of success and risk factors for not achieving a 4:1 ratio was performed followed by a formal resident education on laparotomy closure. The ability to achieve a 4:1 ratio for the first 100 cases following resident education was then compared to the 100 patients preceding the education with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Two hundred patients underwent midline laparotomy with S:W length ratio calculated. In the first 100 patients, 76% of patients received a 4:1 S:W closure. Following resident education, this improved to 90% in the second 100 patients (p = 0.0083). Among patients where 2 residents performed the abdominal closure, 50% got an adequate 4:1 closure. This improved to 92% for the second 100 patients (p = 0.016). A 4:1 S:W length ratio is a simple technique that has been proven to decrease incisional hernia. It requires no additional cost and can easily be implemented into practice. The act of formal resident education and measuring suture tails to calculate a S:W ratio on each case holds surgeons accountable and improves success rate of achieving a 4:1 ratio.

Prehabilitation and Nutrition in Hernia Surgery

AbstractVentral hernia repair (VHR) is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. Despite advancements in surgical technique, a significant number of VHR patients experience postoperative complications and hernia recurrence. A key strategy to reduce VHR morbidity is patient optimization before surgery with prehabilitation protocols. Prehabilitation aims to improve patients' functional status with physical conditioning, nutritional intervention, and psychological support. In other surgical disciplines, prompt preoperative action has proven to significantly reduce the negative influence of modifiable comorbidities and accelerate recovery. In this article, we review the literature to assess the applicability and benefits of prehabilitation in elective VHR cases. A review of the available evidence identified obesity, hyperglycemia, and smoking as significant modifiable risk factors that negatively affect VHR outcomes. Prehabilitation has the potential to mitigate and control these comorbidities. Physical conditioning with aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training is beneficial. Nutritional intervention to control diabetes and in severely malnourished patients is especially important in patients undergoing concomitant gastrointestinal procedures with VHR. Reasonable targets for prehabilitation protocols in elective VHR include a body mass index of 35 kg/m2, HbA1C of 6.5% and tobacco abstinence for at least 4 weeks. Prophylactic measures to minimize the rates of incisional hernia after primary laparotomy repairs include mesh reinforcement and a suture to wound length ratio of at least 4:1.

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 Closure and the Risk of Incisional Hernia in Aneurysm Surgery – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have a high prevalence of incisional hernia following open repair. The choice of incision and closure technique has a significant impact on this post-operative complication. Multiple techniques exist, as well as various comparative analyses, but clinical consensus is lacking. The objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of AAA laparotomy and closure technique and the risk of incisional hernia development. The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search of all original research published until January 2019 was made. Outcome measures were surgical approach, closure technique, hernia rates, length of follow up, and method of hernia recognition. Groups were divided according to method of abdominal incision and closure technique. Differences in outcome between closure techniques were expressed as risk ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effects model. Fifteen studies were included with a cumulative cohort of between 388 and 3 399 patients compared in each group. Abdominal closure with a suture to wound length ratio of more than 4:1 compared with less than 4:1, RR 0.42 (95% CI 0.27–0.65), and abdominal closure with mesh compared with without mesh augmentation, RR 0.24 (95% CI 0.10–0.60) reduced the risk of incisional hernia. There were no significant differences in incisional hernia rate between transverse abdominal incision vs. vertical midline incision, RR 0.57 (95% CI 0.31–1.06) and between midline transperitoneal vs. all retroperitoneal incisions, RR 1.19 (95% CI 0.54–2.61). Choice of abdominal closure technique after aneurysm surgery impacts the risk of developing incisional hernia. The use of a supportive mesh significantly reduces the risk of incisional hernia in vertical midline incisions. The same is true if a suture to wound ratio of more than 4:1 is used.

Abdominal Closure and the Risk of Incisional Hernia in Aneurysm Surgery - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have a high prevalence of incisional hernia following open repair. The choice of incision and closure technique has a significant impact on this post-operative complication. Multiple techniques exist, as well as various comparative analyses, but clinical consensus is lacking. The objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of AAA laparotomy and closure technique and the risk of incisional hernia development. The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search of all original research published until January 2019 was made. Outcome measures were surgical approach, closure technique, hernia rates, length of follow up, and method of hernia recognition. Groups were divided according to method of abdominal incision and closure technique. Differences in outcome between closure techniques were expressed as risk ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effects model. Fifteen studies were included with a cumulative cohort of between 388 and 3 399 patients compared in each group. Abdominal closure with a suture to wound length ratio of more than 4:1 compared with less than 4:1, RR 0.42 (95% CI 0.27-0.65), and abdominal closure with mesh compared with without mesh augmentation, RR 0.24 (95% CI 0.10-0.60) reduced the risk of incisional hernia. There were no significant differences in incisional hernia rate between transverse abdominal incision vs. vertical midline incision, RR 0.57 (95% CI 0.31-1.06) and between midline transperitoneal vs. all retroperitoneal incisions, RR 1.19 (95% CI 0.54-2.61). Choice of abdominal closure technique after aneurysm surgery impacts the risk of developing incisional hernia. The use of a supportive mesh significantly reduces the risk of incisional hernia in vertical midline incisions. The same is true if a suture to wound ratio of more than 4:1 is used.

Incisional hernia formation can be reduced following hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with increased suture length to wound length ratio fascial closure

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia (IH) is a common postsurgical complication of laparotomy. The impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on fascial healing has not been evaluated. The aim of this study is to determine whether utilizing a 4:1 suture length to wound length ratio (SL:WL) during fascial closure reduces the risk of IH following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS-HIPEC). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent HIPEC between 2013 and 2019 at a single institution was performed. Demographics and IH rates were compared between patients closed with a 4:1 SL:WL and patients with standard fascial closure (SFC). Hernias were detected on physical examination or on cross-sectional imaging studies. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients who underwent HIPEC were included in the study. A 4:1 SL:WL was utilized in 26.7% (n = 23) of HIPEC cases and the remaining 73.3% (n = 63) of patients received SFC methods. Three patients in the 4:1 SL:WL group developed hernias, whereas 22 patients in the SFC group had hernias (13.0% vs. 34.9%, P = 0.048). The incidence of IHs was similar across the body mass index, smoking status, and operative time categories. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a 4:1 SL:WL during fascial closure may reduce the rates of IH in the HIPEC population, but larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are required to determine the statistical significance of this intervention.

Effect of Suture to Wound Length Ratio on Incisional Hernia Rates after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Effect of Suture to Wound Length Ratio on Incisional Hernia Rates after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Suture length to wound length ratio in 175 small animal abdominal midline closures.

Experimental and human studies have reported the advantages of a suture length to wound length (SL:WL) ratio greater than 4:1 in midline abdominal closure. This is achieved when the tissue bite (TB) is equal to or larger than the stitch interval (SI). Although TB and SI values are recommended in some textbooks, SL:WL ratios are rarely reported in veterinary textbooks. Additionally, no clinical data regarding these parameters could be found in small animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the SL:WL ratio of midline laparotomy closure in dogs and cats performed by surgeons with different levels of expertise and to compare the findings with current textbook recommendations. Midline laparotomy incisions of 100 dogs and 75 cats were closed in continuous pattern by diplomates and residents of both the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) and the European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR). The mean SL:WL ratio was 2.5 ± 0.7:1. The surgeons´ level of experience and the species and body weights of the animals did not have any significant influence on the SL:WL ratio. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the mean SI to mean TB (SI:TB) ratio and the SL:WL ratio. In this study, the mean SI matched the textbook recommendations both in feline and canine species, whereas the TB in cats was different. In this study, the SL:WL ratio was less than 4:1 without apparent complications. Because of the low prevalence of incisional hernia in dogs and cats larger studies are necessary to evaluate clinical significance of the presented data.

Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of three suture techniques for closure of the equine linea alba

SummarySurgical technique plays an important role in preventing ventral midline incisional complications. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic outcome of three suture techniques for closure of the linea alba. In this prospective case series (n = 43), horses operated for acute abdominal intestinal disease through a midline incision were randomised in three groups: closure with a conventional continuous technique (Group 1), a small stitches continuous technique (Group 2) and the UX‐technique (shoe‐lace configuration, Group 3). Age, sex, body weight, type and duration of surgery were recorded and the suture to wound length ratio was calculated. Clinical evaluation of the wound (wound discharge) was performed daily during hospitalisation. At 7 weeks post‐operatively the linea alba was evaluated clinically and ultrasonographically. The linea alba width was measured halfway along the length of the incision. One horse in Group 1 had acute incisional dehiscence, but there were no further significant differences between the groups in the short term. Seven weeks post‐operatively two horses had complete herniation in Group 1 and one horse had partial herniation in Group 2. In the UX group no herniation occurred. The incidence of herniation was not significantly different between the groups. On ultrasound at 7 weeks the linea alba width was significantly smaller in Group 2 (P = 0.00029) and Group 3 (P = 0.0018) compared with Group 1, even with exclusion of the acute incisional dehiscence and two herniated horses. Limitations were the small group size and relatively low incidence of incisional complications for statistical analysis. It was concluded that the use of small stitches and the UX‐technique resulted in a smaller linea alba width compared with the conventional continuous suture technique and might therefore be preferred for closure of the linea alba in equine colic surgery.

Suture length to wound length ratio for simple continuous abdominal closures in veterinary surgery: An experimental in vitro study.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the suture length to wound length ratio (SL:WL) in an in vitro model of abdominal wall closure. Effects of the surgeon’s experience level on the SL:WL ratio were evaluated, hypothesizing that small animal surgeons do not spontaneously apply SL:WL ratios equal to or larger than 4:1.ProceduresThree groups of surgeons with varying levels of experience performed 4 simple continuous sutures before (3 sutures) and after (1 suture) being educated on principles of the SL:WL ratio. All sutures were evaluated for their gaping, number of stitches, stitch intervals, tissue bite size and suture length.ResultsNo significant differences in suture parameters or SL:WL ratios were found among the 3 groups, and 60.5% of control sutures and 77.0% of test sutures had SL:WL ratios above 4:1. There was a significant improvement in the mean ratio after the information was provided (p = 0.003). Overall, the SL:WL ratios ranged from 1.54:1 to 6.81:1, with 36.3% falling between 4:1 and 5:1 (5.17 mm mean stitch interval, 5.52 mm mean tissue bite size). A significant negative correlation was observed between the SL:WL ratio and the stitch interval to tissue bite ratio (r = -0.886). Forty-nine of 120 sutures fulfilled the current recommendations for abdominal wall closure with a mean SL:WL ratio of 4.1:1.ConclusionA SL:WL ratio larger than 4:1 was achieved in 60% of the control sutures and in 77% of test sutures. Additional animal studies are necessary to evaluate the SL/WL ratio in small animal surgery.

To Mesh or Not To Mesh? That Is the Question!

To Mesh or Not To Mesh? That Is the Question!

A comparative study between continuous and x-interrupted sutures in emergency midline laparotomies

Background: Midline laparotomy is the most common technique of abdominal incisions in both emergency and elective settings. Wound dehiscence is related to several factors pertaining to patient besides suture material and method of closure. This study tries to compare continuous sutures with x-interrupted sutures in mass closure of midline laparotomy wound in patients undergoing emergency midline laparotomy for acute peritonitis.Methods: A total of 60 patients undergoing emergency midline laparotomy for secondary peritonitis were considered for the study, 30 of whom underwent closure of abdominal wall with continuous sutures (Group A) and the other 30 with x-interrupted sutures (Group B) using non-absorbable, monofilament, polypropylene suture. Necessary preoperative data, the time required for rectus closure, length of the suture material required, post-operative complications like surgical site infection, wound dehiscence were analyzed.Results: The groups were comparable in means of age and sex distribution. Group A was found to have lesser time for closure of rectus, lesser suture length and lesser suture to wound length ratio when compared with Group B. Surgical site infections were similar in both groups. Patients with rectus sheath sutured in x-interrupted sutures (n=2) had significantly less wound dehiscence as compared with continuous sutures (n=8) (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: Interrupted -X suture method of suturing reduces post-operative wound dehiscence, although requires more suture and consumes more time than the continuous method of suturing.

Fundamentals of incisional hernia prevention

BACKGROUND: The incidence of incisional hernia following surgery is a major economical and clinical burden for healthcare. METHODS: This report reviews and consolidates pertinent literature related to hernia prevention to give surgeons a solid framework on the current perspectives and emerging topics related to incisional hernia prevention. RESULTS: Pertinent anatomy and fundamentals of laparotomy closures are reviewed. Recommended closures of laparotomy incisions include the use of monofilament, slowly absorbing suture in a running fashion with a 4:1 suture to wound length ratio using a short stitch technique. The use of prophylactic mesh reduces the rate of incisional and parastomal hernias in high-risk patients. CONCLUSION: The current fundamentals of hernia prevention including pertinent anatomy and surgical techniques for appropriate laparotomy closures should be known to surgeons operating on the abdominal wall. The use of prophylactic mesh to reduce incisional and parastomal hernias has shown promise, and further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy.

An evaluation of abdominal wall closure in general surgical and gynecological residents.

To evaluate abdominal wall closure knowledge base and technical skills in surgical and OB/GYN residents. Residents consented to participate in a skills laboratory and quiz. The skills portion involved closure of a 10-cm incision on a simulated abdominal wall. Participants were timed, filmed, and graded using a standardized grading system. Thirty surgical and OB/GYN residents participated. All residents reported closing the abdominal wall continuously, 97% preferred slowly absorbing sutures (28/29), 97% preferred taking 1-cm bites (29/30), and 93% spaced bites 1cm apart (27/29). However, 77% (10/13) of surgery residents identified 4:1 as the ideal suture to wound length ratio; 47% (7/15) of OB/GYN residents believed it to be 2:1, and another 40% (6/15) indicated 3:1 (p<0.0001). In the simulation, OB/GYN residents used significantly fewer stitches (p=0.0028), significantly more distance between bites (p<0.0001), and significantly larger bite size (p<0.0001) than surgery residents. When graded, there was no significant difference between programs. Despite some knowledge regarding the principles of abdominal wall closure among surgical and OB/GYN residents, more instruction is needed. We identified some differences in knowledge base and techniques for abdominal wall closure among general surgery and OB/GYN residents, which are likely due to differences in educational curriculums.

Suture to wound length ratio in abdominal wall closure: how well are we doing?

Research has established that a ≥4:1 suture to wound (S:W) length ratio decreases incisional hernias. We evaluated our ability to obtain a 4:1 S:W length ratio in a surgery residency program. Consecutive abdominal wall closures from 12/1/2013 through 4/9/2015 were reviewed. The length of the incisions and amount of suture used were measured. Patient demographics and operative variables were documented and compared related to inability to obtain a 4:1 ratio. One hundred patients underwent abdominal closure with S:W length measurements. Average wound length was 18.3cm; average suture length used was 84.5cm; and average S:W length ratio was 4.6:1. An S:W length ratio of ≥4:1 was achieved in 76% of cases. There was no difference in race, age, gender, BMI, type of procedure, or resident level in obtaining a 4:1 S:W length ratio. There was a significantly higher rate of not achieving a 4:1 ratio when two residents closed. Postoperative infection rate and hernia rate increased when a 4:1 S:W length ratio was not achieved compared with an adequate S:W length ratio. Despite the known importance of achieving a 4:1 S:W length ratio for abdominal closure, it was only achieved in 76% of study patients. Improved education on the importance of fascial closure is needed.

PTU-228 Abdominal fascial wound closure with 2–0 sutures does not lead to increased rates of dehiscence or incisional hernia

Introduction Emerging evidence has shown that using smaller more frequent sutures close to the fascial wound edge is associated with a lower incidence of incisional hernia, dehiscence and surgical site infection compared to conventional wound closure. 1 However in implementing this practice we have experienced difficulty due to concerns regarding sutures below 1–0 grade allowing increased rates of early dehiscence and incisional hernia. We sought to demonstrate the safety of this method of wound closure. Method Un-selected patients undergoing abdominal surgery (elective and emergency) were prospectively collected from within the practice of a single surgeon in a regional teaching hospital. All wounds greater than four centimetres (fascia defect length) were included. All patients underwent closure of abdominal fascial wounds using a suture to wound length ratio of at least 4:1. Suture material was 2–0 PDS. Risk of death from surgery was preoperatively calculated using the P-POSSUM score. Initial follow up period was 30 days from procedure. Study end points were length of stay, morbidity and mortality within 30 days, dehiscence and hernia formation rate. Results 34 patients underwent fascial closure as described above, 17 cases were patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Average fascial defect length was 13.8 cm (median 14.5 cm); average length of suture used was 98.5 cm (median 82 cm). Average ratio of suture length to wound length was 7.5. Mean length of stay in this group was 5.4 days. Average BMI was 28.9; average calculated risk of death was 11.6%. A single patient died from overwhelming sepsis shortly after emergency laparotomy. Three patients developed chest sepsis post operatively (emergency group) and two elective patients were readmitted within 30 days with chest infection and hypocalcaemia respectively. Conclusion We have demonstrated that using a small, frequent suture does not give rise to increased rates of early dehiscence, incisional hernia or major wound complications in the early post operative period. Disclosure of interest None Declared. Reference Israelsson L, Millbourn D. Prevention of incisional hernias. How to close a midline incision. Surg Clin North Am. 2013;93:1027–1040