title: Quality of scar after total thyroidectomy: a single blinded randomized trial comparing octyl-cyanoacrylate and subcuticular absorbable suture.
abstract: Objective. To compare the quality of resulting scar at 6 weeks after total thyroidectomy with the use of the tissue adhesive octyl-cyanoacrylate or subcuticular absorbable suture for the closure of cervicotomy. Material and Methods. There are 50 patients undergoing a cervicotomy for total thyroidectomy. Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to closure with tissue adhesive and 25 with subcuticular absorbable suture. At week 6 the scar was evaluated by blinded assessors with the Italian version of POSAS questionnaire, a validated wound scale composed of an observer's and a patient's subscale. Results. Assessment of scar appearance showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0. 038) in favor of subcuticular suture with respect to tissue adhesive on observer's assessment. The difference on patients' self-assessment was not significant. A multivariate analysis of six qualitative features of scars showed a significant influence on assessment for hyperpigmentation and relief of scar. The Italian version of POSAS proved to be reliable. Conclusion. Though tissue adhesive represents a valid method of skin closure, subcuticular absorbable suture provides a better aesthetic outcome in small cervical incisions in the early phase after thyroid surgery.
authors: Department Surgical Sciences, University "Sapienza" of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 00161 Rome, Italy.
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Consorti
authors: Rosaria
authors: R
authors: Mancuso
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Piccolo
authors: Eugenio
authors: E
authors: Pretore
authors: Alfredo
authors: A
authors: Antonaci