Incisional hernia remains the most common complication after median laparotomy, with reported incidences varying between 5-15%. Recent clinical and experimental data showed a continuous suture technique with many small tissue bites in the aponeurosis only, is possibly more effective in the prevention of incisional hernia when compared to the commonly used large bite technique or mass closure. The length of the suture used must be at least four times the length of the wound. The suture length to wound length ratio must be at least four. An adequate ratio should be achieved by placing many stitches into aponeurosis. The high tension on the suture should be avoided. The aim of this prospective comparative study was to study the effect of stitch length on surgical site infection and incisional hernia in closed midline incision.

Keywords: Incisional hernia; Wound infection; Suture length; Suture technique.