Comparing Wound Complications After Elective Abdominal Surgery Using Two Closure Techniques

Wound complications, increased hospital stays and post-operative morbidity are all common following abdominal surgery. Abdominal closure complications are strongly associated with the closure technique and material used. The traditional closure technique used by surgeons is placing the wide and large stitches. A randomized controlled trial done in Sweden described a new closure technique in surgeries by placing the stitches closer to each other by using narrow. The results showed lower incidence of wound infections, hernias, and wound rupture. However, the study provides low quality evidence on the benefits of this new technique since it has numerous limitations like lack of standardization of suture size, lack of proper randomization, and heterogeneity in patient eligibility which will increase result bias. There is still a need for quality evidence on the effectiveness of this new closing technique procedure at decreasing wound complications after the operation. In this trial the investigators will compare two techniques in the closure of abdominal wounds in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The first technique will be the traditional closure technique currently used in abdominal surgery. The second technique will be using the new closure technique. The closure of abdominal wounds with small and close sutures using the new technique is expected to lower the incidence of hernia and wound complications as well as improve the quality of life of the patient. Potential candidates for the study are those who will be undergoing elective midline laparotomy at AUBMC. The patients and assessor of outcomes will be blinded and patients will be randomized to receive either the traditional or new closure operation technique. There are no anticipated risks for those participating in the study. All data and information collected will be kept confidential. Hypothesis: Closure of abdominal fascia in elective midline laparotomy incisions with small and close sutures compared to closure with conventional wide and distant sutures results in lower rates of wound rupture, incisional hernia, and wound infection, and improved quality of life. Significance: The results of this study will allow surgeons to assess the role of a new abdominal closure technique in decreasing short and long term postoperative complications, for a commonly performed procedure. This trial will generate evidence-based conclusions.