Wound closure techniques have evolved from the earliest development of suturing materials to comprise resources that include synthetic sutures, absorbables, staples, tapes, and adhesive compounds.
The engineering of sutures in synthetic material along with standardization of traditional materials (eg, catgut, silk) has made for superior aesthetic results. Similarly, the creation of natural glues, surgical staples, and tapes to substitute for sutures has supplemented the armamentarium of wound closure techniques.
Aesthetic closure is based on knowledge of healing mechanisms and skin anatomy as well as on an appreciation of suture material and closure technique. Choosing the proper materials and wound closure technique ensures optimal healing.
This section provides field usable information regarding wound closure. Improvised techniqes include using commonly available glue as a suture and various materials to close the wound. Specific threads can be used to stitch wounds closed.
Ultimately, learn how to close wounds using a variety of techniques in disaster or emergency situations when traditional medical treatment is unavailable.
For several years there has been increasing interest in the survival medicine community regarding the use of commonly available “Super Glue” types of adhesives for wound closure. The two documents in this package detail the intricacies of wound closure using cyanoacrylate based polymer glues.
This manual has been prepared for the medical professional who would like to learn more about the practice of surgery – the dynamics of tissue healing, the principles of wound closure, and the materials available to today’s practitioners. Most important, it touches upon some of the critical decisions which must be made on a daily basis to help ensure proper wound closure.