Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate liquid bandage as a wound dressing in facial excisional surgery: results of an uncontrolled pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Although cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are frequently used in the closure of cutaneous lacerations and excisions, only a few reports comment on their usefulness as a dressing over sutured wounds. A new formulation of octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Liquid Bandage; BAND-AID, Johnson & Johnson) is used as an occlusive protective film over minor cuts and scrapes.


OBJECTIVE
An uncontrolled pilot study to assess the safety, efficacy, and cost of Liquid Bandage as an occlusive dressing over sutured facial excisions.


METHODS
Patients undergoing excision of facial neoplasms were recruited. After conventional layered repair, Liquid Bandage was applied. On suture removal, the wounds were photographed and evaluated by three dermatologists, who assigned an overall outcome rating. The average cost of Liquid Bandage and routine wound care materials was calculated based on prices from three different pharmacies.


RESULTS
Of the 18 wounds available at follow-up, 17 were assigned an overall outcome rating of good or excellent by at least one of the evaluators. Eleven wounds received an excellent rating from at least two of the evaluators. One case of distal flap necrosis occurred. Liquid Bandage proved to be less expensive than routine postsurgical wound care materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Liquid Bandage dressing is safe and effective over sutured facial excisions.
Department of Dermatology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico. martin-mubarak@aol.com
Rafael F
RF
Martín-García
Alexander Lugo
AL
Janer
Francisco Viejo
FV
Rullán
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009779:Occlusive Dressings / Q000191:economics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014481:United States