One hundred and forty patients were studied in prospective, randomized trial in order to determine whether a vertical, transverse or oblique abdominal incision is the more satisfactory in producing sound
wounds. Thirty-five patients were randomized between vertical midline and para-median, transverse and oblique incisions respectively, and followed up for 6 months post-operative. All these patients are
compared among all four groups based on age, sex, BMI, length of incision, direction of incision, type of closure, suture material used and chronic illness. All the values are statistically insignificant indicating
there is no significant difference in the predisposing factors among the groups. In our study Para median incision is found to be the most difficult of all the four types of incisions. Time taken for closure is found to be significantly more in Para median incision. Immediate post-operative pain is significantly less in patients with transverse incisions. Wound infection is found to be more in patients with midline incisions but the results are not statistically significant. No significant difference in
wound dehiscence in all the groups. Wound sinus formation is found to be more in patients with midline incisions but the results are not statistically significant. No significant difference in wound dehiscence in all the groups. Healing time is found to be significantly prolonged in patients with transverse incisions. No significant difference in scar
hypertrophy among the groups. Incisional hernias are seen to be more in midline group but the result is not statistically significant.
Keywords: Incision; Laparotomy; Hernia;
Infection.