A novel and efficient surgical knotting technique for high-tension closures

BACKGROUND: The closure of high-tension incisions without any assistance can be difficult and challenging for surgeons. A common practice is to fix the first knot with a clamp and then tie a reverse locking knot; however, this practice has certain disadvantages. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel and efficient surgical knotting technique with various advantages. METHODS: The two knotting methods used in this study were the absorbable braided suture where the first suture was fixed with a clamp (with assistance) and the SH-9Hospital knotting technique (without assistance) applied on the smooth surface of a cylinder. Mechanical testing was performed using a universal material testing machine. The load-elongation curve and ultimate tensile load (UTL) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean knotting time was 36.40±1.50 s (range, 32–41 s) and 24.80±1.16 s (range, 21–28 s) in the clamp and SH-9Hosptial groups, respectively. The mean UTL was 120.8±10.14 N (range, 81.11–136.55 N)and 126.5±6.29 N (range, 104.88–139.56 N) in the clamp and SH-9Hospital groups, respectively. The knot strength of the SH-9Hospital technique was not inferior to traditional clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The SH-9Hospital knotting technique was a secure, convenient, and efficient method for high-tension closure.