Intradermal Sutures in Neurosurgery – Consecutive Series of 1322 Neurosurgical Interventions

Krasimir Minkin, Naydenov Emanuil, Gabrovski Kaloyan, Dinev Enelin, Hristov Hristo, Sirakov Stanimir and Karakostov Vasil

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital “Saint Ivan Rilski”, Bulgaria
Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital “Saint Ivan Rilski”, Bulgaria

^*Correspondance to: Krasimir Minkin 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2625

Abstract

Background: Previous reports on the techniques used to close surgical incisions in neurosurgical practice are very scarce. The traditional technique consists of interrupted closure with percutaneous non-absorbable sutures or staples. Objective: The aim of this report was to investigate the safety, efficacy and patient perception of intradermal sutures applied non-selectively in all cranial, spinal and peripheral nerve neurosurgical interventions. Methods: Our series includes 1322 neurosurgical interventions performed during a 5-year period from January 2014 to December 2018: 804 cranial, 504 spinal and 14 peripheral nerve interventions. We adhered to a protocol for closure involving the use of percutaneous running sutures with absorbable material in all cases. Wound healing was examined 24 h after surgery, 7 days after surgery and during the follow-up period. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 1 week to 36 months). Results: We observed 4 wound complications (0.3%) in this mixed neurosurgical series–2 bone flap osteomyelitis requiring bone flap removal and 2 superficial skin infections successfully treated by wound revision and antibiotics. All 4 complications were in the cranial group. All patients except these 4 complicated cases expressed their satisfaction regarding the absence of need for suture removal and the cosmetic results. Conclusion: Our results suggest that intradermal sutures may be used routinely in all elective neurosurgical procedures–cranial, spinal or peripheral nerve interventions. This suturing technique is safe and fast to perform and achieves good cosmetic results.

Keywords

Cosmetic results; Incision closure; Intradermal sutures; Wound complications

Cite the article

Minkin K, Emanuil N, Kaloyan G, Enelin D, Hristo H, Stanimir S, et al. Intradermal Sutures in Neurosurgery – Consecutive Series of 1322 Neurosurgical Interventions. Clin Surg. 2019; 4: 2625.