A retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of staged purse-string sutures for the reconstruction of surgical defects on skin using computer image analysis program.

Abstract

Background:Staged purse-string suturing has been recently introduced for the reconstruction of round or oval defects following tumor excision.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical advantage of staged purse-string suturing for the reconstruction of relatively large skin defects.Materials and Methods:Twenty-one patients who received staged purse-string sutures were included in the study. To evaluate the defects and scar sizes objectively, computer-based image analysis was used. A modified observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) was applied for evaluating the clinical efficacy.Results:The mean primary postsurgical defect size in the total 21 cases was 1446.2 ± 1187.2 mm2, and the mean final scar size was about 268.1 ± 252.3 mm2. The defect area decreased gradually as staged purse-string suturing was performed. The mean total modified OSAS was 7.96 ± 1.69.Conclusion:Staged purse-string sutures might be an alternative reconstructive method for relatively large round or oval skin defects.