New simple technique for suturing a laceration in the field

Traditional method of suturing needs several instruments (Special needle, a needle holder and a catch) and ideally all of them should be sterilized. In addition, the person who perform the suturing needs some skill and practice. As such, there are practical problems of using the conventional method of suturing in the field in various emergency situations. Therefore, most of the times, minor lacerations are unattended till the injured meet a medical personal. This reduces the efficiency of the victim. By identifying this significant medical need in emergencies, investigators developed a new technique to suture lacerations. Personal experiences of the principal investigator during tsunami hit in Galle and last humanitarian operations in Jafna prompted the investigators to develop this easy and simple technique. The identified new technique requires only an intravenous (IV) needle and a suitable thread. IV needle is small, cheap, easy to handle and it comes in a sterilized pack. This new technique can be trained even to a field soldier easily. Hence it fulfill many criteria necessary in warfare. Though this technique can not be applied in all most all the situation it will definitely help in appropriate situations in treating lacerations. First clean the wound. Then get the needle out from the sterile packing and bend gently, till its shape becomes about a one forth of a circle. Advance the nylon thread through the distal end of the IV needle till it coming out through the other end. Pull back the nylon thread gently till it just disappeared under the proximal sharp end of the needle.