A retention suture is used to take some of the pressure off of a patient's other sutures so that a wound does not pull open as it is healing. These stitches are usually used after abdominal surgeries in patients who are overweight or who may suffer from a distention of the abdomen due to swelling or disease. These conditions can place a great deal of strain on standard sutures, which can rip apart, causing further injury or illness to a patient. In many patients, the use of this type of suture will increase discomfort and scarring.