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Mastering Suturing techniques | How to suture with Subcuticular stitches | OSCE Skill stations

The suturing techniques practice set used in the video series can be bought using this link - https://amzn.to/3w4W6in Subcuticular stitching is a suturing technique commonly used to close surgical incisions or wounds in a way that provides good wound edge approximation and minimizes scarring. It is particularly useful for wounds where cosmesis is important or where there is minimal tension on the wound edges. Here's how subcuticular stitching typically works:

Preparation: The wound edges are cleaned and prepared for closure, and any necessary undermining or debridement is performed to ensure proper wound approximation.

Suture placement: A needle with an absorbable suture material, such as Catgut or poliglecaprone (e.g., Monocryl), is used. The needle is inserted into the dermis just below the surface of the skin at one end of the wound. It is then passed through the dermis in a running or continuous fashion, parallel to the wound edge, for the length of the incision.

Closure: As the suture is passed through the dermis, it creates a series of loops or a running line just beneath the surface of the skin. The suture is then tied securely at the end of the wound, or alternatively, a knotless technique can be used where the suture is anchored in the skin without tying a knot.

Trimming: Excess suture material is trimmed close to the skin surface.

Subcuticular stitching offers several advantages over other suturing techniques. It provides excellent wound edge approximation without the presence of suture knots on the skin surface, which can reduce the risk of infection and tissue irritation. Additionally, it can lead to a more cosmetically appealing outcome, as there are no visible suture marks on the skin.

This technique is commonly used in various surgical specialties, including dermatology, plastic surgery, and general surgery, for closing incisions after procedures such as skin biopsies, excisions, or cosmetic surgeries.