Closure of round cutaneous defects progressively with the purse string suture technique

Abstract

Introduction: There are many closure techniques available to cutaneous surgeons. One of them is the purse-string suture which is used to provide complete or partial closure of round skin defects. In our  animal study; we closed skin defects with using subcuticular purse string suture technique by progressively cinching wound and we aim to more rapidly healing according to secondary healing.

Methods: After anaesthetize, we created a 4 cm diameter circular full thickness skin defect on dorsal area of rats. In group 1, subcuticular purse string suture was applied by using a nonabsorbable and  monofilament suture and a sliding arthroscopic knot was applied to both ends. Arthroscopic suture was shift 1 cm forward every day. In group 2 skin defect was leaved open and daily dressing was made and in both group defect diameters were measured every day and noted.

Results: The skin defects were closed totally after 15 days in group 1 but in group 2 defects were reduced but still had a mean 1,5-cm diameter sircular defect.

Conclusion: Closing large circular wound with purse string suture and gradual tightening decreases the  healing time and expand the skin tissue without using any tissue expander.

Key words: Purse string suture technique, skin defect, tissue expander, primary healing, secondary healing, round defects