Comparative Study of thyroidectomy wound closure using tissue glue versus subcuticular suture

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare closure of thyroidectomy incisions using octyl-cyanoacrylate (OCA) and traditional subcuticular suturing in terms of wound morbidity and patient satisfaction outcomes. Study Design: A prospective randomized study was performed on adult patients scheduled for thyroidectomy surgery in a tertiary referral center. Patients were randomized to have closure of thyroidectomy incisions using either OCA or subcuticular sutures. Patients were evaluated for scar appearance and pain at the operated site on 1 st and 3 rd postoperative week. Results: Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, group 1 (N-36): OCA was used and group 2 (N-38): Subcuticular sutures were used. Scar appearance was better and pain was relatively less in group 2 in early postoperative phase. Subjective sensation of pain at the operated site in the first postoperative week was more in patients in group 1, which was the only statistically significant finding (P value 0.010). Conclusion: OCA is as effective as conventional method of wound closure. Early postoperative changes of pain and appearance do not vary much. Cost is the major limiting factor in widespread usage.