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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2007 Apr;89(3):242-6.
doi: 10.1308/003588407X179062.

A blinded, randomised, controlled trial of stapled versus tissue glue closure of neck surgery incisions

D M Ridgway  1 , F Mahmood, L Moore, D Bramley, P J Moore
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A blinded, randomised, controlled trial of stapled versus tissue glue closure of neck surgery incisions

D M Ridgway et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2007 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Cosmetic acceptability of scar and neck mobility are important outcomes after collar line incision for neck surgery. This randomised, controlled trial compares these parameters in closures using tissue glue (Dermabond, Ethicon, UK) and skin staples.

Patients and methods: Patients requiring a collar line incision were randomised to receiving tissue glue or staples for skin closure. Time for closure to be completed was recorded. Mobility of the neck was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 48 h and 1 week after surgery. At 6 weeks, cosmetic appearance was assessed using a linear 1-10 visual analogue scale by the patient, surgeon and an independent blinded assessor. Results were compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: Glued (n = 14) and stapled (n = 15) closures were performed for hemithyroidectomy (n = 8 versus 6), sub-total thyroidectomy (n = 2 versus 4), total thyroidectomy (n = 1 versus 4) and parathyroidectomy (n = 3 versus 1). Closure with tissue glue took significantly longer than with staples (mean, 95 versus 28 s; P < 0.001). Neck mobility scores were comparable at 48 h and 1 week (mean, 4.8 versus 4.4; P = 0.552: and 2.7 versus 2.6; P = 0.886). Cosmetic appearance at 6 weeks was comparable when patient (mean, 1.7 versus 1.8; P = 0.898), surgeon (mean, 2.6 versus 2.3; P = 0.633) and independent assessment (mean, 1.4 versus 1.9; P = 0.365) was performed.

Conclusions: The use of glued skin closure may increase the duration of surgery but acceptable neck mobility and wound cosmesis can be achieved by the more rapid application of stapled skin closure in cervicotomy incisions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Operations performed during the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Time taken for cervicotomy closure.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Neck mobility scores.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Wound cosmesis scores.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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