Basic suture technique: Instructional videos explaining suturing for medical students in a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Understanding basic surgical skills is important for medical students prior to entering residency regardless of future specialty. In these videos we provide instruction for suturing as it relates to skin closure. Material and methods: Instructional videos were created by the senior faculty (R.A. and M.K.) to teach medical students at the University of Louisville suturing techniques. Results: Entering and exiting the needle at an angle of 90° or greater allows for tissue eversion. Inadequate eversion of tissue or inadequate angling of the needle will lead to tissue inversion. When suturing uneven edges, a deep bite on the low side and a shallow bite on the high side will allow for appropriate tissue leveling. For buried sutures, skin eversion with substantial dermal bites and proper knot location is essential. Conclusion: Understanding the basics of skin apposition will provide students with knowledge about primary wound healing and prepare them for residency.