purse-string suture
A circular suturing technique that draws tissue edges together concentrically to close round defects.
Full Definition
A purse-string suture is a specialized closure technique where a continuous suture is placed in a circular pattern around the perimeter of a round defect, then tightened to bring the edges together centrally. This method is particularly useful in dermatologic surgery for closing circular defects after punch biopsies or small excisions where primary linear closure would create excessive tension or distortion. The technique minimizes the final scar to a small central point and distributes tension evenly around the wound circumference. Proper execution requires careful suture placement at consistent depths and distances from the wound edge.
Usage
Usage note: Document the suture material type and size when describing purse-string closure techniques.
In Context
- "The 6mm punch biopsy site was closed using a purse-string suture to minimize scarring." — Operative report
- "A purse-string suture technique achieved excellent cosmetic closure of the circular defect on the patient's cheek." — Procedure documentation