title: Comparison of Traditional Superficial Cutaneous Sutures Versus Adhesive Strips in Layered Dermatologic Closures on the Back-A Prospective, Randomized, Split-Scar Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bilayered suture repairs have become the standard of care in dermatologic surgery. However, the benefit of superficial sutures for fine epidermal alignment on high-tension areas remains unclear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the overall cosmetic outcome of traditional epidermal sutures with adhesive strips in layered dermatologic repairs on the back.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 10 patients underwent standard elliptical excision on the back followed by subcutaneous closure with 4-0 polyglactin 910 buried sutures. Each half of the wound was then randomized to either 4-0 polypropylene running sutures or 1/4″ Steri-Strip films for epidermal approximation. Postoperative evaluations were completed in person at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The adhesive strip group had superior appearance and greater patient satisfaction at 2 weeks. Evaluation at 3 months and 6 months revealed no statistically significant difference in overall scar cosmesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adhesive strips result in equivalent long-term scar outcome when compared with traditional epidermal sutures and should be viewed as a time-saving alternative in layered dermatologic repairs on the back. This finding further corroborates that undermining and placement of deep buried sutures are the primary determinants of wound appearance.
authors.affiliation: *Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; †Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, Michigan.
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ozog
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001415:Back; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009506:Nevus / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018583:Pliability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D053832:Surgical Tape / Q000009:adverse effects; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*