Publication:

Absorbable versus conventional methods for wound closures in surgeries for benign breast diseases: a randomized case control study

Background Surgeons and patients prefer absorbable sutures for surgical wound closure in breast surgeries which are usually continuous subcuticular sutures so that patients can skip a hospital visit for suture removal. But in case of breast biopsies authors usually put circumareolar incisions. Here authors find it difficult to put continuous subcuticular sutures. In this contest authors thought of interrupted subcuticular sutures where authors can tackle the above-mentioned limitations; while actually reducing the financial burden of the patients.

Methods In this randomized case controlled study authors included elective general surgical procedures for benign breast diseases that was being carried out in the department of General Surgery Govt. Medical College, Kottayam for a period of 6 months starting from January 2017. Total number of cases taken are 20; 10 each in each group.

Results The mean rank for interrupted method was 14.20 and conventional method was 6.80. Mann-Whitney U statistic was 13.000 and p value was 0.03. Since p value was less than 0.05, authors had clear evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, authors concluded that both the methods were dissimilar and based on mean rank interrupted method seemed to be better method.

Conclusions Authors recommended interrupted absorbable subcuticular suturing technique in general surgical procedures for benign breast diseases, especially where authors used circumareolar incisions, which saved time of the surgeon and the patient. This can lead to considerable cost savings for the government without compromising clinical effectiveness or safety.