Does the type of suture material contribute to the strength of the lateral paramedian incision?

Abstract

A prospective randomized trial was carried out on 231 consecutive laparotomies in which the lateral paramedian incision was used in all cases. Closure of the wound was identical except for the anterior rectus sheath where closure was randomized to (a) chromic catgut, (b) polyglycolic acid or (c) polypropylene. Follow-up for 1 year has revealed no wound dehiscences and only one incisional hernia (in the catgut group). We conclude that the lateral paramedian incision is inherently strong, and that this strength is due to splintage of the wound by the rectus abdominis muscle itself and is unrelated to the type of suture material used.