LAUSR

Based on the site of suturing and the size of the suture material and suturing needle used, select the size of the hypodermic needle. For example, an 18-gauge hypodermic needle is required for the plantar skin, and a 20to 21-gauge hypodermic needle is required for the nape of the neck and back. The hypodermic needle is used to create a track by piercing the subcutaneous tissue and the skin. It is thenslightlywithdrawntill thebevel canbe seen. Through this track, the suture needle is inserted to come out of the subcutaneous tissue. If the skin is too thick to pierce from the subcutaneous side, another hypodermic needlemaybeused toguide it. Similarly, a track is created on the other side, by piercing the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and the suture needle is brought outwith the aid of the hypodermic needle and the knot is tied (see Figures 1–4). A modification of this method is to use the hypodermic needle to pierce the skin and guide the suture needle through the skin with less effort.