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Simple Suturing Technique for Umbilical Dimple Wound after Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
Yoichi Matsui, MD, PhD, , Sohei Satoi, MD, PhD, FACS, Satoshi Hirooka, MD, PhD, Masanori Kon, MD, PhD
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doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2015.07.006
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Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was developed recently.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This technique has the advantage of better cosmetic outcomes; the most noticeable cosmetic benefit of SILS is cosmetic improvement via a hidden umbilical incision.6, 7 and 8 When SILS is performed through the umbilicus, subcuticular skin closure is technically difficult and time consuming because of the natural deep umbilical dimple.9 However, few reports have described optimal umbilical incision closure methods to maximize the cosmetic benefit. We devised an easy and cosmetic method for closure of umbilical skin wounds, even in patients with very deep umbilical dimples. We have used this simple suturing technique for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy since November 2009. The demographics of the patients who underwent this technique are shown in Table 1.
Table 1.
Demographics of Patients Who Underwent Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using the Simple Suturing Technique
Demographics Data
n 217
Age, y, mean ± SD 45.9 ± 10.7
Sex, n, male/female 60/157
Diagnosis, n, gallstone/polyp 173/44
BMI, kg/m2, mean ± SD 23.1 ± 4.0
ASA classification, n, 1/2 201/16
ASA, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification.
Table options
The technique is performed as follows. A 3-cm longitudinal skin incision is created over the umbilicus for SILS (Fig. 1; 1 and 2). On completion of SILS, umbilical wound closure is performed. After closing the peritoneum and fascia, the subcuticle of both sides of the skin flaps are sutured on the bottom of the umbilicus at 2 points without subcutaneous sutures, as shown in Figure 1; 3 to 6. Next, the second subcuticular suture (Fig. 1; 7, white) is placed using 1 of the 2 first bottom sutures as an anchor suture (Fig. 1; 7). The first anchor suture is then passed under the second suture as shown in Figure 1; 8 and 9. The second suture is tied by pulling the first anchor suture along the wound line (Fig. 1; 10 and 11). The first anchor suture is then cut (Fig. 1; 12 and 13). Next, the third subcuticular suture is placed using the second suture as an anchor (Fig. 1; 14). The second suture is passed under the third suture in the same way (Fig. 1; 15 and 16). The third suture is tied by pulling the second suture along the wound line (Fig. 1; 17 and 18), and then the second suture is cut (Fig. 1; 19 and 20). Finally, the third suture is cut (Fig. 1; 21 and 22). The remaining wound should be closed in the same manner to complete the wound closure (Fig. 1; 23). If the wound is longer, extra sutures should be added as needed. All of the subcuticular sutures are placed using 3-0 absorbable suture material (Opepolyx-N; Alfresa Pharma Corporation). After completing the wound closure, an adequate amount of steroid ointment, followed by a small piece of gauze, is placed in the umbilical dimple. The piece of gauze is removed on postoperative day 2 or 3 (Video 1, available online, shows this technique). |