Wound Closure After Port Implantation-A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Tissue Adhesive and Intracutaneous
Saskia Witting1, Maja Ingwersen, Thomas Lehmann
1Department of Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena; Institute for Medical Statistics, Computer Science and Data Science Jena, Jena University Hospital, Jena; Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena; Department of Trauma-, Handand Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
Tissue adhesive is a suitable alternative to sutures for closing wounds after port implantation, showing non-inferiority in scar assessment and similar complication rates. This method ensures good wound healing and patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Wound Healing Research
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Effective wound healing post-pectoral port implantation is critical for device function and patient outcomes.
- Complications like infection and wound dehiscence can compromise port usability and impede cancer treatment.
- Patient satisfaction is significantly influenced by the cosmetic result of the port implantation site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of tissue adhesive versus intracutaneous sutures for skin incision closure after port implantation.
- To evaluate scar quality, patient-reported outcomes, and complication rates between the two closure methods.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, controlled single-center study involving 156 adult patients undergoing port implantation.
- Skin incisions were closed using either tissue adhesive or intracutaneous sutures.
- Primary endpoints included scar assessment using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and patient quality of life; secondary endpoints were complications and wound closure duration.
Main Results:
- Tissue adhesive demonstrated non-inferiority to sutures in patient-assessed scar scores (POSAS).
- Investigator and blinded physician assessments favored sutures over tissue adhesive for scar appearance.
- No significant differences were observed in quality of life, infection rates, or wound dehiscence between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Tissue adhesive is a suitable and safe method for closing the superficial layer of wounds following port implantation.
- The choice between tissue adhesive and sutures may involve balancing objective scar assessment with patient-reported outcomes and complication profiles.
