Transverse incisions tend to be associated with fewer respiratory complications and a better cosmetic outcome.
• Every incision should be made with closure in mind, and the layers appropriately delineated.
• Mass closure of the abdminal wall is usually advocated, using large bites and short steps in the closure technique.
• Either non-absorbable (e.g. nylon or polypropylene) or very slowly absorbable suture material (e.g. polydioxanone suture (PDS)) is used for closure.
• It has been estimated that, for abdominal wall closure, the length of the suture material should be at least four times the length of the wound to be closed to minimize the risk of abdominal dehiscence or later incisional hernia.
