ABSTRACT
This closure pattern is best not used alone if wound edges are under tension, in contaminated or infected wounds, or wounds requiring drainage. The buried continuous intradermal closure technique is ideal for elective veterinary surgical procedures because it eliminates the need for suture removal. Absorbable, inert, light-colored sutures with a swaged needle are preferred. Appropriate sizes range from 3-0 to 6-0, depending on the incision location and cosmetic consideration; 4-0 size is usually preferred. Sutures should be placed superficial enough to hold skin edges together but deep enough so that they are covered by a healthy epithelial layer. Knots are buried entirely beneath the dermis to avoid interference with dermal coaptation and suture extrusion.
