A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study Comparing Cyanoacrylate Adhesives to Sutures for Wound Closure in Skin Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are not more likely to result in wound dehiscence or infection than sutured closures. However, suturing is the gold standard for optimal cosmetic appearance of scars. OBJECTIVE To determine whether cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce a cosmetic outcome equivalent to sutures at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include time for wound closure, time spent on wound care, and surgeon and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-one patients scheduled for skin cancer excision at Beverly Hospital were included in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Cosmetic appearance was assessed by a masked panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who evaluated digital photographs. Secondary outcomes were assessed by nursing recordings and patient and surgeon evaluations. RESULTS There was no significant difference in wound appearance (Visual Analog Scale: p =.4693, modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Score: p =.6413) between adhesives and sutures. It was faster and easier for a surgeon to use adhesives, and subjects spent less time caring for and were more satisfied by wounds sealed with adhesives than sutures. CONCLUSION Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce cosmetic outcomes that are not statistically significantly different than sutures; furthermore, they are associated with fast application, easy wound care, and patient satisfaction.