A safe and reliable technique for fascial closure without special devices after laparoscopic surgery.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To prevent port-site hernia, we established a simple and low-cost closure method that uses a venous catheter needle and suture, without any other special devices. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE We used the inner needle of a 16-G venous catheter and a 2-0 absorbable bladed suture. To evaluate the efficacy of this technique, the procedure time was noted and compared among three operators (an experienced surgeon and two inexperienced surgeons). DISCUSSION: The median suturing time was 60.5 seconds (range, 26-130 seconds) per incision. Even an unexperienced surgeon can close the fascia safely and quickly after some experience with the procedure.