Pain quantum and wound healing: a comparison of interrupted inversion PDS and standard nylon sutures in abdominal skin closure.

Patients' postoperative pain experience during 5 days after hernia repairs or upper abdominal procedures was compared when skin closure was achieved by either full thickness interrupted sutures or subcuticular interrupted inversion sutures. Quantitative pain assessments were made using linear analogue charts and standardised analgesic requirements. Clinical advantage for the subcuticular technique was confirmed for the hernia group and possible advantage in the upper abdominal closure, suggested by lesser analgesic requirement. Statistical analysis has lent support to the hernia group findings but is less clear in the upper abdominal group. A comparison of wound healing, sepsis and cosmetic outcome showed no apparent advantage to either method. Economies and patient preference favoured the subcuticular method.