Introduction: Closure of the abdominal wall is a frequently performed procedure in general surgical practice. The type of closure and the suture material are often chosen on empirical bases. The present study evaluates the best evidence available regarding the technique of closure of the abdominal wall and the best suture material to be used. Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken and the best quality articles (systematic reviews) were analyzed. Results: The best technique appears to be the closure with interrupted sutures of slow absorption (polydioxanone) or non absorbable (polypropylene) material, which exhibit lower recurrence rates that those observed with materials of rapid absorption. Conclusions: It is recommended to utilize interrupted sutures of slow absorption or non absorbable material for closing the abdominal wall.