Demonstrating the cotton-tipped applicator method to standardize dermatologic surgery suture tail length

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Rebecca Leibowitz, Emory University; Jordan Lim, Emory University; Travis Blalock, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-06-01
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2022.03.003
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JAAD International
• Volume: 7
• Start Page: 131
• End Page: 132
• Grant/Funding Information: None.
• Keywords: Mohs micrographic surgery; suture management; surgical dermatology
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Suture end length is an important indicator of knot integrity. Knots with an end length between 3 and 10 mm are less likely to come unraveled than knots with an end length of <3 mm.1 It is important, however, to cut the sutures short enough to prevent the ends from entangling. This can be achieved by cutting the sutures to a length that is less than the distance between sutures.2 For new learners and surgical assistants, measuring each knot end length before cutting is time consuming and laborious. Thus, this standardized method could be used to help teach and replicate appropriate suture tail length. Equipment that is needed includes a sterile, standard-sized cotton-tipped applicator (approximately with 3-mm head diameter) and suture scissors.