The effect of Steri-Strip orientation on wound healing: A survey of current applications and trends amongst surgeons

Abstract

Wound closure strips are used in the repair of superficial, low tension wounds, lacerations, and surgical incisions.They represent an inexpensive, easy, and painless way to close such wounds or as an adjunct in a multi-layered closure. There is debate over correct orientation (transverse, oblique, zig-zag or parallel) and importance of wound closure strips relative to the incision.The purpose of this research was to examine the closure techniques amongst Canadian plastic surgeons and current applications of wound closure strips using an online survey circulated to members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery. Participants answered a series of multiple choice and short answer questions regarding their practice,closure techniques and use of wound closure strips.A total of 120 plastic surgeons (30.0%) completed the survey with 89.9% reporting wound closure strips usage. Of respondents who used wound closure strips, 57.2% used them in more than half of all wound closures. Parallel orientation to the wound (52.3%) and per- pendicular orientation (30.8%) were the most common techniques employed, and these were applied in a consistent fashion (90.6%) covering the whole wound (78.1%). Most plastic surgeons agreed there is a need to further study adhesive strips.This survey of Canadian plastic surgeons has demonstrated the variability that exists in wound closure strip application technique, orientation and intended function.These findings suggest further investigation of wound closure strip usage may be needed to help guide clinical practice.