Publication:

Comparison of conventional closure versus “re-modified Smead Jones” technique of single layer mass closure with Polypropylene (prolene) loop suture after midline laparotomy in emergency cases

Background The occurrence of sudden disruption of the abdominal laparotomy wound is a major disaster in the life of a patient who has undergone an abdominal operation and a major psychological blow to the patient as well as the surgeon.

Methods 100 consecutively enrolled patients who underwent emergency midline laparotomies were enrolled in the study who were admitted in Department of Surgery, JSS University, Mysore and intra-operatively randomized into two groups in 1:1 pattern.

Results The total number of patients who underwent laparotomy for generalized peritonitis in 2 years was 100. The post-operative wound infection rate in Group A was 32.4% and in Group B was 12.3% (p = 0.03) and 95% CI (1.083-7.326).

Conclusions Present study concluded that the modified version of Smead-Jones techniques of laparotomy closure with prolene loop had very low incidence of early and may reduce the late complications. It was superior to other conventional methods of closure.