Subcuticular skin closure using a 'blunt' needle

Abstract

Recognising the desirability of avoiding the use of sharp needles, especially for wound closure, this study was undertaken to determine whether it was technically feasible to perform a subcuticular skin closure with a 'blunt' Ethiguard needle (Ethicon Ltd). A total of 108 skin incisions was closed in 40 patients. In each case it was found that the needle successfully penetrated the subcuticular layers allowing the use of a standard subcuticular closure technique with the advantage of reduced risk of skin or glove puncture.