Zip Stitch Adhesive Bandage for Maxillofacial Wounds - An Evaluative Study

Zip stitch is a complete atraumatic wound closure device that has garnered widespread acceptance among healthcare professionals. Despite existing research on zip stitch adhesive bandages in other surgical fields, their application in maxillofacial surgery remains relatively unexplored. The study aims to establish a baseline for the use of zip stitch over maxillofacial region, evaluating its benefits, disadvantages and risks to inform its implementation.

A pilot study was carried out on 15 patients having facial wounds and those requiring incision placement over the maxillofacial region. A Mediss zip stitch was used for skin closure and evaluated further.

All patients exhibited satisfactory results as evidenced by the P values of ASEPSIS (0.00014), modified Hollander (0.00003), Vancouver scores (0.00001) indicating minimal scarring. Patient and observer scar assessment scale (POAS) scores (0.00056) demonstrates favourable outcomes from the patient's point of view. Potential disadvantages were identified and strategies for mitigation were developed.

While zip stitch adhesive bandages are gaining popularity in India, their use in the maxillofacial region remains relatively limited. This pilot research establishes a baseline for safety and efficacy of zip stitch in this specific area for further in-depth analysis.