Efficacy of tissue glue for laceration repair in an animal model

To compare the efficacy of butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue glue (TG) for the repair of skin lacerations in rats with the efficacy of standard closure with sutures.

In a prospective study, eight rats were anesthetized and an 8-cm dorsal incision was made on each side of the midline. One wound was closed with a single layer of interrupted 5-0 Prolene suture and one by application of TG. The time required to close each wound was recorded. Sutures were removed at seven days; the TG was allowed to fall off spontaneously. The animals were sacrificed after 20 days and the wounds were judged for cosmetic outcome. Four I x 3-cm strips of skin were excised from each wound; one strip for histologic analysis and three for load extension testing using a tensiometer. Specimens were loaded to wound failure while displacement (D) and energy absorption (EA) were recorded. The paired t-test was used for comparisons and reported as mean +/- SE. No significant difference between TG and suture was found in D (6.5 +/- 0.4 vs 5.2 (1.4 mm), EA (0.18 +/- 0.01 vs 0.17 +/- 0.03 kg x mm/cm2), or histologic features. The closure time was significantly less using TG (66 +/- 5 vs 401 +/- 17 sec; p < 0.0001).

1) Sutures and TG in rat skin repair result in similar wound strengths (EA), amounts of stretch (D), and histologic feasures. 2) Wound closure is accomplished much more rapidly with TG.