Abstract
Several disadvantages can be attributed to suture knots in wound closure: they are tedious to tie, may be a nidus for infection and can strangulate tissue. They may extrude through skin weeks after surgery. Additional needle manipulations during knot-tying may predispose to glove perforation. A self-anchoring barbed suture has been developed that requires no knots (or slack suture management) for wound closure. The elimination of knot tying has demonstrated some advantages over conventional wound closure methods. It has demonstrated comparable efficacy for the long term closure of C section wounds. The lack of bulk afforded by the knotless suture proves useful in mid face lift applications where knots are a drawback to traditional suture use and cosmesis is of primary importance.
This type of suture has demonstrated improved “water tightness” in knee arthrotomy closure compared to a standard interrupted suture technique in a cadaver model, has demonstrated reduced time for total surgery by 10% and time for closure by 33%. Use of this suture has been shown to be safe and effective in many other surgical specialties, while proving easier and faster than traditional suturing technique. Its use is highly recommended.
