A prospective analysis of the use of octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for wound closure in pediatric neurosurgery.
OBJECTIVE
Cyanoacrylate monomers have been developed for use as skin adhesives. Previous studies have demonstrated that using this skin adhesive for the closure of traumatic lacerations results in excellent cosmesis, decreased procedure-related pain and timesavings.


METHODS
Octylcyanoacrylate skin adhesive is applied after the placement of deep fascial sutures with close approximation of the skin edges. The adhesive is applied in liquid form and polymerizes rapidly to solid form. Multiple layers are applied forming a hard impenetrable barrier.


RESULTS
This technique was prospectively evaluated in the closure of 102 elective neurosurgical operations with 142 incisions: ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion/revision (53%) and craniotomy for tumors (10%) were the commonest procedures. There were a total of 83 scalp, 36 abdominal, 8 neck, 6 chest and 6 lumbar incisions. The mean incision length was 5.1 cm (range 0.25-50 cm). Fifty-nine percent of the wounds had previous areas of operative incisions. Complications included 1 poor cosmetic result and 4 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Of the 4 patients with CSF leaks, 2 required operative wound revision, and 1 required ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyanoacrylate skin adhesive is a viable means of obtaining cosmetic wound closure. Its use requires attention to proper skin approximation and hemostasis. In our experience, propensity for CSF leakage especially in reoperative procedures is a relative contraindication.
Wang
M Y
MY
Division of Neurosurgery, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, and Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif., USA.
Levy
M L
ML
Mittler
M A
MA
Liu
C Y
CY
Johnston
S
S
McComb
J G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000075202:Contraindications; D003487:Cyanoacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000009:adverse effects; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
D003487:Cyanoacrylates; D014014:Tissue Adhesives; C119247:octylcyanoacrylate