Efficacy of 2-Octylcyanoacrylate Glue in Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery

Abstract

Objective: Topical 2-Octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond, Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) tissue adhesive glue is an alternative to traditional devices for closing short surgical incisions and laceration wounds. Dermabond provides cosmetic closure and very low infection risks. There were rare published studies using Dermabond in spine surgery. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy to use in spine surgery. Methods: From April 2006 to May 2007, 57 consecutive patients (29 male and 28 female) who was performed spinal surgeries (micro/endoscopic discectomy, microscopic fenestration) in our hospital. Complications related to operative wounds and patient satisfactions were analyzed. Results: Of 57 patients, 25 underwent microlumbar discectomy, 3 endoscopic lumbar discectomy, 3 lumbar laminectomy, and 26 anterior cervical discectomy. There was no wound infection, 2 wound dehiscence, 1 pruritus itch in the covered site. Mean period for Dermabond to detach was 2.85 weeks and the length of incision ranged from 0.5 cm to 10 cm. Fifty four of 57 patients want to use the adhesive glue for other wound in the future instead of conventional suture methods. Conclusion: Our results support that 2-Octylcyanoacrylate is a safe alternative to traditional devices for closing short surgical incisions in operation. (J Kor Neurotraumatol Soc 2009;5:57-61)