Related Experiment Videos
Subcuticular closure versus Dermabond: a prospective randomized trial.
Erin F Switzer1, Robert C Dinsmore, James H North
1Department of Surgery, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia 30905, USA.
The American Surgeon
|May 29, 2003
Summary
2-Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond) offers faster closure for inguinal herniorrhaphy incisions but increases wound complications compared to subcuticular sutures. Cosmesis was not significantly different, but sutures trended better.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Wound Closure Techniques
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- 2-Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond) is widely used for minor lacerations.
- Limited data exists on its efficacy for surgical incisions in the operating room.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare 2-octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond) with 4-0 Monocryl subcuticular sutures for inguinal herniorrhaphy incision closure.
- Evaluate closure time, wound complications, and cosmetic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized trial involving 46 inguinal herniorrhaphy incisions.
- Randomized allocation to either Dermabond (TA) or 4-0 Monocryl subcuticular closure (SC).
- Performance metrics included closure duration, complication rates, and blinded photographic cosmesis evaluation at 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Dermabond closure was significantly faster (155 seconds) than subcuticular closure (286 seconds; P < 0.001).
- Wound complications were higher in the Dermabond group (P = 0.045).
- Cosmetic scores favored subcuticular closure (4.2 vs. 3.88), though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- While Dermabond accelerates wound closure, it is associated with increased wound complications for inguinal herniorrhaphy.
- Subcuticular suture closure remains a preferred method due to a trend towards better cosmesis and fewer complications.