Cosmetic results of lower midline abdominal incision: Donati stitches versus a continuous intracutaneous suture in a randomized clinical trial

Background. The objective of this study was to compare the cosmetic outcome of two different closing techniques for lower midline abdominal incisions: a continuous intracutaneous suture versus interrupted Donati stitches.Methods. Eighty patients undergoing gynecological surgery through a lower midline abdominal incision were randomized. The cosmetic outcome of the scar was assessed by independent observers and the patients at 8 days and 4–6 months after the operation using visual analog scales and a validated scoring system for hypertrophy, width, color, and cross-hatching. Patients also completed a visual analog scale for postoperative pain on both occasions. The accumulated data were statistically evaluated using two-sided χ2, Student's t, or Mann–Whitney tests with a confidence interval of 95%. Results. Closing a lower midline abdominal laparotomy wound with an absorbable intracutaneous suture did not take more time than using Donati stitches. Laparotomy scores were only significantly better in the int...