ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The fundamental purpose of using sutures to close wounds is to provide physical support to tissue during the early phases of wound healing. Sutures are used to eliminate dead space in subcutaneous tissues, to minimize tension that causes wound separation, and to coapt opposing edges of the wound gently. Good suturing technique cannot be substituted for basic surgical technique, such as correct wound placement with respect to relaxed skin tension lines and adequate undermining. Other factors, such as the presence of systemic diseases and the selection of suture material, also influence the ultimate surgical outcome. The surgeon must be aware of alternative methods of wound closure that may be used in conjunction with or as a substitute for sutures, such as the use of staples, tape strips, or laser skin ‘‘welding.’’
