OBJECTIVE:

In this study; high viscosity topical skin adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate was compared to polypropylene subcuticular suture method in the wound closure of Pfannenstiel incision.

MATERIALS-METHODS:

Forty women aged 21–75 operated with Pfannenstiel incision were included in this single center, prospective randomized, controlled clinical study. Subjects were randomized to two groups. In the first group (Group I, n=20) high viscosity topical skin adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate was used. In the 2nd group (Group II, n=20), the skin was closed using 3/0 subcuticular running polypropylene sutures. In all the cases; incision length, subcutaneous skin thickness, time taken to suture the skin defect, formation of hematoma, seroma, superficial or deep wound disruption, infection and keloid parameters in postoperative 2nd day, 7th day and 40th day were assessed. Cosmetic appearance and patient satisfaction were checked on the postoperative 40th day.

RESULTS:

In both groups, ages, body mass index, incision length and subcutaneous skin thickness were similar. In group I, skin closure time was significantly shorter as compared to group II (1.2 to 3.9 minutes respectively, p<0.001). Postoperative 7th day superficial would disruption and wound infection was significantly high in group I as compared to group II (p<0.001). No difference was noted in the cosmetic appearance on the 40th day.

DISCUSSION:

Our preliminary evaluation showed that despite time saving and similar cosmetic results with topical skin adhesive 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate as compared to standard methods of skin closure, a higher rate of superficial wound disruption and wound infection was detected.

Keywords: 2-octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, Pfannenstiel incision, polypropylene suture