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

Skin closure techniques in otolaryngology vary based on surgeon preference and wound site. Octyl-2-Cyanoacrylate may be a safe, rapid, and cost-effective option for post-site closure.

This randomized controlled trial study aimed to compare Octyl-2-Cyanoacrylate and conventional subcuticular sutures in ear surgeries, assessing wound closure results in both case and control groups.

This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study was conducted at Ohud Hospital from May 2021 to May 2022. Ear surgery and cochlear implantation in patients were examined, and each group was randomly assigned to receive Dermabond TM and deep layer subcuticular sutures closure. Incisions were assessed at various time points, including 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year post-surgery. The patient and observer Scar Assessment Scale was used, and two independent ear surgeons used the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale for initial scar assessment.

This study involved 126 ear surgery and cochlear implantation patients randomized to use cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive or subcuticular suture for port site closure. The study found that tissue adhesive (OCA) was faster and more efficient than standard sutures, saving an average of 12 min per incision in each ear. Incision cosmesis showed immediate results and significant differences, and patient satisfaction with OCA wound closure was higher than standard sutures.

The findings confirmed that cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive significantly reduced the time needed for skin closure during ear surgery and showed immediate cosmetic improvements without any documented instances of bleeding, hematoma, infection, or wound separation.

This is a randomized controlled trial, it follows Level 2 of evidence. Randomized trial or observational study with dramatic effects Laryngoscope, 134:4036-4041, 2024.