The knit stitch. An improved method of laparoscopic knot tying.

Intracorporeal suturing is essential to advanced laparoscopy and is a rate-limiting step in many procedures. We have outlined an improved method of intracorporeal knot tying which is easier to learn, faster, and more consistently performed than current methods. Conventional intracorporeal knot-tying technique was compared to the knit-stitch method by ten volunteer surgeons. Each participant tied ten conventional-style knots in a video trainer. Surgeons were then taught the knit-stitch method and tied an additional ten knots. Knot-tying times were recorded and compared. Participants were asked to choose the method they preferred. The knit-stitch method was demonstrated to be faster than the conventional method for all participants, regardless of level of training or laparoscopic expertise (mean 63 +/- 19 vs 97 +/- 48 s; P < 0.001). The difference was most marked in participants with the least laparoscopic suturing experience. The knit-stitch was preferred by 90% of the surgeons. Reasons cited for this preference were ease of learning, conservation of instrument motion, better utilization of the nondominant hand, and ability to work with shorter suture. Knit stitching is a faster, more consistent method of intracorporeal suturing. It is preferred because of its simplicity, efficiency, and potential to further reduce tissue trauma during the course of laparoscopic suturing.