A prospective study in children: Pre- and post-surgery use of vitamin E in surgical incisions.
BACKGROUND
One of the main problems of elective surgery is the cosmetic result.


OBJECTIVE
This prospective controlled study aims to determine the effects of topical vitamin E on cosmetic results in children.


METHODS
A single-blind study was carried out. Topical vitamin E was used on the intended incision site for at least 15 days, thrice daily, before surgery and for at least 30 days, twice daily, after surgery (group A). The control group received topical petrolatum-based ointment (group B).


RESULTS
No patients in group A developed keloids. A total of 96% of patients (or parents) considered the cosmetic results very good. No patients had wound infection. In the control group, only 78% of patients (or parents) considered the cosmetic results very good and 13 (6.5%) patients developed keloids after 6 months. There were no cases of wound infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical vitamin E before and after surgery improved surgical wound healing and improved cosmetic results.
Zampieri
Nicola
N
Department of Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Surgical Unit, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B.Rossi, Piazzale L.A. Scuro n. 1, Verona, Italy. dr.zampieri@libero.it
Zuin
Veronica
V
Burro
Roberto
R
Ottolenghi
Alberto
A
Camoglio
Francesco Saverio
FS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007627:Keloid / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D014810:Vitamin E