Aesthetic outcome of intermediate closure versus intermediate closure followed by 2-octyl cyanoacrylate: A randomized evaluator-blinded split-wound comparative effectiveness trial

Abstract

Dermatologic surgeons are increasingly using surgical adhesives in their practice. Studies comparing sutured wounds to those that utilize a combination of suturing and skin adhesive have not been previously conducted. To compare the cosmetic outcome and patient wound care satisfaction of an intermediate suture closure with an intermediate suture closure followed by the application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA). Fifty patients were enrolled in a randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-scar study. Following intermediate sutured closure of a surgical defect, one side of the wound was randomized to receive an additional application of 2-OCA. After 3months, the scar was assessed using the POSAS tool and patients reported wound care preferences. As the primary outcome measure, the mean sum of observer POSAS was 12.80 for sutured closure alone versus 12.40 for sutured closures followed by 2-OCA (P=.49). Single-center study of a relatively homogenous population. Although there were no significant differences in scar cosmesis, both patients and observers tended to prefer the side with an additional application of 2-OCA in most POSAS components, in overall opinion, and in patient wound care satisfaction. Dermatologic surgeons may add this to their practice without sacrificing scar outcomes or patient satisfaction.