A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component (FTC1) can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. A second fluid transfer component (FTC2) is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC2 through a connecting fluid transfer component (FTC3). The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained. An automatic operating mode utilizes a microprocessor, which can be preprogrammed to respond to various patient and operating conditions. The method proceeds through several phases with different components in place and different patient interface functions occurring in each.
