What is the interrupted suture technique?

The interrupted suture technique involves placing individual stitches, allowing each stitch to be tied off separately. This method is particularly advantageous in surgical settings for several reasons. First, if one stitch were to fail or break, it does not compromise the entire wound closure, as each stitch holds the tissue on its own. This can enhance the overall stability and security of the wound. Additionally, the surgeon can adjust the tension of each individual stitch according to the needs of the specific area of the wound, promoting optimal healing.

The versatility of this technique is beneficial in various surgical procedures, especially on skin, where layered closure may be required or where tension is present. Each stitch can be customized to the appropriate depth and tension required for the tissue involved, further enabling effective wound approximation and minimizing complications such as skin necrosis or dehiscence.

In contrast, techniques that provide uniform tension across wound edges or gather tissue edges are not indicative of interrupted suturing, while the focus on absorbable sutures pertains to the material used rather than the suture technique itself.