Aesthetic Outcome of Layered Closure vs. Layered Closure Followed by 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate

Aesthetic Outcome of Layered Closure vs. Layered Closure Followed by 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate: A Randomized Evaluator-Blinding Split-Wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Following skin surgeries on the head and neck, several surgeons use a type of surgical glue (such as Dermabond) as a final layer on the top of wound. This glue is thought to seal the wound. Up until this point, there is limited data about the exact advantages or disadvantages of using this glue. We wish to determine if there is a difference in the cosmetic outcome of the scar when the glue is applied compared to when the glue is not applied. In addition, we want to determine if patients prefer to care for a wound with or without the glue.

Sutures are the standard of care in repairing cutaneous wounds. The majority of surgical reconstructions following a Mohs micrographic surgery and standard surgical excisions require two layers of sutures: a deep (subcutaneous) layer and a superficial (cuticular) layer. Alternatively, skin adhesives, such as 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (commercially available as "Dermabond"), have been used successfully in lieu of the outer layer of sutures. Cosmetic outcomes with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate have been shown to be equivalent to sutured wounds, perhaps with a lower infection rate. However, wounds repaired with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate may have a higher dehiscence rate. Recently, surgeons have been using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, in addition to dissolvable sutures. This is thought to combine the advantages of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, including easier wound care and lower infection rate, with the lower dehiscence rate of sutures. A previous study by Zhuang et al found no difference in wound cosmesis between deep sutures supplemented by 2-octyl cyanoacrylate compared with layered closure with 5-0 fast-absorbing gut suture, with the exception of inferior scar pigmentation with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.1 Several studies likewise found no significant differences between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus sutures in repairing cutaneous wounds. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted directly comparing closure (2 layers) versus closure supplemented by 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (3 layers). We hope that our study will provide new insight into this aspect of cutaneous surgery.

One half of the wound will have a cutaneous layer of sutures (2 layers), as is standard of care, while the other half of the wound will have an additional layer of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (3 layers).

One half of the wound will have a cutaneous layer of sutures (2 layers), as is standard of care, while the other half of the wound will have an additional layer of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (3 layers).

The primary endpoint will be the score of two blinded reviewers independently using the POSAS assessment. The observer scale of the POSAS consists of six items (vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area). All items are scored on a scale ranging from 1 ("like normal skin") to 10 ("worst scar imaginable"). The sum of the six items results in a total score of the POSAS observer scale. Furthermore, an overall opinion is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. All parameters should preferably be compared to normal skin on a comparable anatomic location.

The trace-to-tape method is an objective measure for linear postoperative scars. The mean scar width will be determined using the trace-to-tape method. The surface area of the scar will be collected by tracing the scar with a water-based gel pen. While still wet, the gel residue will be lifted from the skin with clear packing tape and transferred on a sheet of paper.

For example, if one half of the scar has more associated erythema, as measured using the Trace-to-Tape method, then it will be recorded. Other complications from the treatment will also be recorded.

All patients scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedures with one of the study investigators at the UC Davis Dermatology Clinic will be screened for eligibility. Inclusion Criteria: 18 years of age or older Able to give informed consent themselves Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the face or neck with predicted primary closure. Willing to return for follow up visit Exclusion Criteria: Incarceration Under 18 years of age Pregnant women Unable to understand written and oral English. Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3 cm None of these special populations will be included.