Sutura elástica para tratamento de grandes feridas

Abstract

The suture of extensive wounds remains a major challenge for plastic surgeons. The objec- tive of this article is to promote use of elastic sutures as an effective procedure for the closure of extensive wounds. Fourteen patients presenting with extensive wounds caused by trauma in the lower limbs were included in the study. The entire wound was sutured in each patient with a two-step procedure. In the first step, the opposite edges of the wound were approximated using rubber circular elastic bands. In the second step, carried out a few days later, the elastic bands were removed, followed by a simple suture with monofila- ment nylon thread. Placement of elastic sutures proved to be a safe, functionally effective, easy-t o-perform, and low-cost procedure for the closure of extensive wounds without using donor