Adhesive membrane device (Op-site) for skin closure in general surgery

Sixty general surgical cases in a district hospital had skin closure accomplished with an adhesive membrance device (Op-site, Smith and Nephew). The technique of application is described. Thirteen cases had minor wound complications. It was found that the device was not applicable to all skin wounds, had some limitations in vertical wound closure, was comparable in price with skin sutures, usually gave good cosmetic results especially in transverse wounds, and as it could be removed by the patient, avoided problems of suture removal after discharge from hospital.