Comparison of cosmetic outcomes of nonabsorbable sutures versus octyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in pediatric traumatic facial lacerations

Abstract

Aim: To compare the cosmetic results and complications of using monofilament sutures and octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesives in facial lacerations in the pediatric age group admitted to the emergency department.

Methods: Our study was conducted retrospectively on pediatric patients that were admitted to the emergency department of our hospital. Children between ages of 1 and 18 years old that had lacerations on facial area were evaluated in the surgical yellow zone of our hospital.  A total of 120 patients were followed. Standardized photographs were taken at 6 months and, who rated the wounds on a validated cosmesis scale.

Results: A total of 120 patients with lacerations, 60 of whom used suture and 60 used tissue adhesive, were included in the study. In the evaluations after 6 months, no differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. When evaluated in terms of scar healing (according to VAS), which is considered a late-term complication, the use of adhesive was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.0002). In addition, tissue adhesives were found to be statistically significant in comparisons made according to patients' satisfaction with the healing process, application of the procedure (p = 0.025), patients' recommendation for the procedure (p < 0.0001) and the presence of damaged tissue after wound healing (according to ISCD) (p=0, 0082).

Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the assessment of wounds 6 months after injury and wound repair provides a good measure of long-term cosmetic outcome.  Additionally, octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive may be a good alternative in the treatment of facial injuries in children when appropriate patient selection is made.