A Stitch in Time: Operative and Nonoperative Laceration Repair Techniques.

Before repairing a laceration, consider the mechanism and severity of the injury. Gentle irrigation of the wound helps to remove microscopic infectious agents and larger debris. Not all foreign bodies are visible in plain radiographs. Certain wounds may be allowed to heal without operative intervention, but most patients prefer an approach using suture thread or tissue adhesive. Prophylaxis against tetanus, rabies, and/or bacterial infection should be considered. Clinical assessment of each wound is important to guide decisions about technique, anesthetic, suture material, and the interval period before nonabsorbable equipment can be removed.