Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Closure Versus Subcuticular Suture for Post-Auricular Incisions

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Skin closure in otolaryngology involves various techniques.
• Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (OCA) presents a potentially safe, rapid, and cost-effective alternative for post-operative wound closure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (OCA) with conventional subcuticular sutures for ear surgery wound closure.
• To assess wound closure results, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study involving 126 patients undergoing ear surgery or cochlear implantation.
• Patients were randomized to receive either OCA (Dermabond TM) or deep layer subcuticular sutures.
• Scar assessment utilized the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale.

Main Results:

• Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (OCA) demonstrated faster and more efficient wound closure, saving an average of 12 minutes per incision.
• Significant improvements in incision cosmesis were observed immediately post-surgery.
• Patient satisfaction with OCA wound closure was notably higher compared to standard sutures.

Conclusions:

• Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (OCA) significantly reduces skin closure time in ear surgery.
• OCA provides immediate cosmetic improvements with no reported instances of bleeding, hematoma, infection, or wound separation.
• OCA is a safe and effective alternative for skin closure in otolaryngologic procedures.