Comparison of Interrupted Versus Continuous Closure of Rectus Sheath After Midline Emergency Laparotomy Incision Interms of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence

Background: "Emergency laparotomy is major surgery, commonly performed on those with severe abdominal issues, in whom prompt care is necessary. Among some of the most crucial elements in recovery post-surgery is whether or not there is any problems with closing the rectus sheath. Both interrupted and continuous suture patterns are very common, yet there is debate about which leads to fewer issues, such as wound dehiscence, wound healing is also hindered by such things as the nutrition status. Objective: To compare the interrupted versus continuous closure of rectus sheath after midline emergency laparotomy incision in terms of abdominal wound dehiscence. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025 at MTI-Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Methodology: A total of 132 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, undergoing emergency laparotomy for acute abdominal conditions were randomly assigned to either the interrupted or continuous rectus sheath closure group. Postoperative wound dehiscence was monitored, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Wound dehiscence occurred in 16.7% of patients in the interrupted closure group compared to 6.1% in the continuous closure group (p = 0.097). Stratified analysis revealed a significantly lower dehiscence rate in females and diabetic patients in the continuous closure group. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference, continuous closure demonstrated a lower incidence of wound dehiscence, especially in female and diabetic patients.