title: Polyurethane dressing assisted epidermal suturing minimizes postoperative wound care.
abstract: An exact vertical approximation of epidermal edges during wound suturing allows rapid reepithelialization of the sutured wound and may reduce scar formation. Over 20 patients have been treated with a unique suturing technique for wound-edge approximation using a sterile polyurethane adhesive dressing as an epidermal scaffolding, Some of these procedures and results were documented using intraoperative and postoperative photos to help evaluate potential benefits to wound healing. The polyurethane dressing acts as a barrier to microbes, water, and irritants. Postoperative wound care was found to be cost-effective and virtually maintenance-free, as the wound does not require daily dressing changes. The patients treated with this technique demonstrated well-approximated wound edges and excellent cosmesis. The authors have not found cases of contact dermatitis or wound infection as a result of treatment using this suturing technique.
authors.affiliation: The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Colin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ruff
authors.forename: Justin J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vujevich
authors.forename: Leonard H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives; D004817:Epidermis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives; D011140:Polyurethanes