Uterine compression suture without hysterotomy – why a non-absorbable suture should be avoided

Abstract

We describe 2 cases of uterine compression suture without hysterotomy, only described once in the literature previously (Hayman et al. 2002). We consider in detail the suture material used for this technique and show photos of the compression suture at laparoscopy 4 weeks after insertion to demonstrate why it is inappropriate to use a non-absorbable suture. Modified compression sutures are being used increasingly and a wide variety of suture materials are being chosen, including vicryl, PDS and nylon (verbal communications). We feel it important to report our findings so that others can avoid the use of non or slowly absorbable sutures.