72081 - Suture-TOOL: A device that reduce surgeons threshold to follow laparotomy closure guidelines

Introduction Surgeons can reduce abdominal wall complications by adhering to guidelines for laparotomy closure. This is often neglected by the time an operation is to be ended with the risk of wound rupture, wound infection and incisional hernia formation. To address this issue a suturing device, Suture-TOOL for swift and standardized laparotomy closure was developed. The aim was to assess the closure quality, closure speed and safety with the device in clinical setting. Method A prospective, one-armed, investigation was performed. Five specialists in surgery were invited to participate in the study. Introduction to Suture-TOOL included reading the instructions for use and minimal dry lab training. Patients with benign or malignant colorectal disease selected for laparotomy were recruited. Primary endpoint was percentage of patients with suture to wound length (SL/WL) ratio ≥ 4. Secondary endpoints were suturing time, stitch count, wound infection, burst abdomen and glove puncture rate. Result A total of thirty-eight patients were enrolled and completed the study. All thirty-eight (100%) patients reached the primary endpoint. Mean suturing time was 10 min 25 sec (SD=5 min 7 sec). The shortest closure time was 2 minutes and 13 seconds for a 12 cm incision. Mean stitch count was 41.4 (SD=15.1). One wound infection, no burst abdomen and no glove punctures were detected. Discussion Suture-TOOL is a promising device for clinical use. It is safe, easy to use, speedy, and secures a SL/WL ratio of 4. It can be an important tool to reduce surgeons threshold for adherence to guidelines for laparotomy closure.