BACKGROUND: Tension on surgical wound edges is often an obstacle to proper closure and good cosmetic results in dermatologic surgery. OBJECTIVE: A buried, butterfly-shaped, interrupted suture has been developed to remedy this. The suture is anchored very broadly in the corium, the knot is below the corium. The butterfly suture can be supplemented by a temporary running suture or by close-set, superficially placed interrupted sutures. METHODS: This technique was studied in a follow-up of 876 operations, with histologic study of 60 scars resulting from the suture. In particular, the specific advantages and disadvantages of two synthetic suture materials were compared: monofilament (polydioxanon) and polyfilament (polyglactin 910). RESULTS: Polydioxanon sutures were found to be clinically superior. It was important, however, that the suture knot be deeply anchored and that the surgeon be experienced. CONCLUSION: Cosmetic results of 18,000 procedures with this suture over a period of 6 years were found to be clearly better than those of surgery with conventional sutures.
BACKGROUND: Tension on surgical wound edges is often an obstacle to proper closure and good cosmetic results in dermatologic surgery. OBJECTIVE: A buried, butterfly-shaped, interrupted suture has been developed to remedy this. The suture is anchored very broadly in the corium, the knot is below the corium. The butterfly suture can be supplemented by a temporary running suture or by close-set, superficially placed interrupted sutures. METHODS: This technique was studied in a follow-up of 876 operations, with histologic study of 60 scars resulting from the suture. In particular, the specific advantages and disadvantages of two synthetic suture materials were compared: monofilament (polydioxanon) and polyfilament (polyglactin 910). RESULTS:Polydioxanon sutures were found to be clinically superior. It was important, however, that the suture knot be deeply anchored and that the surgeon be experienced. CONCLUSION: Cosmetic results of 18,000 procedures with this suture over a period of 6 years were found to be clearly better than those of surgery with conventional sutures.