title: Use of adhesive tape for primary closure of surgical skin wounds.
abstract: Although, during the last half century, there has been plenty of evidence that the healing of skin wounds is hindered by suture closure and fostered by the use of surgical tapes, the latter technique has not been widely practiced, because the adhesiveness of surgical tapes has been deemed too unreliable. When used at all, tapes have generally been applied only over subcuticular and subcutaneous sutures. The author describes his experience in using a new transparent adhesive tape for primary wound closure of 37 surgical incisions without underlying sutures. The series involved a wide range of surgical wounds, in various portions of the body. In all cases, the results were excellent; neither major nor minor complications were observed. Compared with suture closure, this method was associated with a reduced potential for infection, faster renewal of tensile strength, greater cost effectiveness, and better cosmetic effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, HCA Medical Center Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rubio
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives; D001458:Bandages; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives