Abdominal incisions from creation to closure.

Many of the techniques involved in creating and closing a surgical incision are based on tradition. Over the last several decades, randomized studies have addressed some of the steps in this process. Animal data and human data often have conflicting results. Randomized trials in human subjects indicate: 1) The incision can be made with one, rather than two, scalpels. 2) There is no advantage to using a laser rather than a scalpel when creating the incision. 3) Subcutaneous Penrose drains carried through the incision increase the infection rate. Closed suction drains in the subcutaneous space are rarely indicated. 4) The surgeon does not need to close peritoneum. 5) Time can be saved by closing the fascia in a continuous rather than interrupted fashion without causing an increase in postoperative wound separation or hernia formation. 6) Closing Camper's fascia after a cesarean delivery reduces the incidence of wound separation. 7) The cosmetic appearance of an incision is not improved by closing skin in a subcuticular rather than interrupted fashion.