Table 1 Baseline characteristics
|  | Continuous suture (N = 59) | Interrupted suture (N = 60) |
|---|---|---|
Sex | ||
 Male | 39 (66.1%) | 36 (60.0%) |
 Female | 20 (33.9%) | 24 (40.0%) |
Age (years) | 62.1 ± 16.4 | 65.1 ± 13.8 |
Body mass index (kg/m2) | 26.5 ± 5.9 | 27.3 ± 9.2 |
ASA classification | ||
 I (normal healthy patient) | 4 (6.8%) | 4 (6.7%) |
 II (mild systemic disease) | 19 (32.2%) | 22 (36.7%) |
 III (severe systemic disease) | 34 (57.6%) | 26 (43.3%) |
 IV (constant threat to life) | 2 (3.4%) | 7 (11.7%) |
 V (moribund state) | 0 (0.0%) | 1 (1.7%) |
Reason for operation | ||
 Suspected diverticular abscess with perforation | 12 (20.3%) | 19 (31.7%) |
 Suspected stomach/duodenal perforation | 20 (33.9%) | 13 (21.7%) |
 Suspected ischemia | 7 (11.9%) | 9 (15.0%) |
 Other | 20 (33.9%) | 19 (31.7%) |
Comorbidities | ||
 Diabetes mellitus | 8 (13.6%) | 6 (10.2%) |
 Chronic pulmonary disease | 11 (18.6%) | 7 (11.7%) |
 Current immunosuppressive therapy | 7 (11.9%) | 4 (6.7%) |
 Current smoker | 21 (35.6%) | 14 (23.3%) |
 Current smoker years | 26.2 ± 12.1 | 38.9 ± 12.1 |
 Previous smoker | 11 (18.6%) | 16 (26.7%) |
Ongoing malignancy at time of surgery | 8 (13.6%) | 5 (8.3%) |
Previous minor abdominal incisions | 11 (18.6%) | 15 (25.0%) |