Modified Layered Continuous Suturing with Absorbable Barbed Sutures for Single-Port VATS Pulmonary Resection: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Reducing Incisional Complications

Background Single-port VATS is the mainstream for pulmonary resection, yet chest drainage tube placement via the incision causes high incision-related complications, impairing patient recovery. This study evaluated a modified suture technique’s efficacy and identified related risk factors. Methods A retrospective analysis of 372 single-port VATS patients (Jan–Jun 2025, Yunnan Cancer Hospital) was conducted, with 201 in the modified group and 171 in the conventional group. Intergroup comparisons of complications, pain, wound healing, scar hyperplasia and satisfaction were performed; multivariate Logistic regression analyzed independent risk factors. Results The modified group had lower incidences of fat liquefaction, exudation and secondary suturing (all P < 0.05), better pain/comfort (P ≤ 0.001), superior 1-month wound healing, lower scar scores and higher satisfaction (all P < 0.001). Elevated BMI, diabetes and female sex were independent risk factors; the modified technique was the strongest protective factor (OR = 0.419, P = 0.002), and male sex was also protective (P < 0.05). Age, operation duration et al. had no effect. Conclusion The modified suture technique is safe and effective, reducing single-port VATS incision complications, improving wound healing and cosmesis, and providing a basis for clinical incision management and high-risk patient intervention.