Authors: Ridgway, D.M.¹; Mahmood, F.¹; Moore, L.²; Bramley, D.¹; Moore, P.J.¹

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 89, Number 3, April 2007 , pp. 242-246(5)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Cosmetic acceptability of scar and neck mobility are important outcomes after collar line incision for neck surgery. This randomised, controlled trial compares these parameters in closures using tissue glue (Dermabond^™, Ethicon, UK) and skin staples.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients requiring a collar line incision were randomised to receiving tissue glue or staples for skin closure. Time for closure to be completed was recorded. Mobility of the neck was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 48 h and 1 week after surgery. At 6 weeks, cosmetic appearance was assessed using a linear 1-10 visual analogue scale by the patient, surgeon and an independent blinded assessor. Results were compared using appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS: Glued (n = 14) and stapled (n = 15) closures were performed for hemithyroidectomy (n = 8 versus 6), sub-total thyroidectomy (n = 2 versus 4), total thyroidectomy (n = 1 versus 4) and parathyroidectomy (n = 3 versus 1). Closure with tissue glue took significantly longer than with staples (mean, 95 versus 28 s; P < 0.001). Neck mobility scores were comparable at 48 h and 1 week (mean, 4.8 versus 4.4; P = 0.552: and 2.7 versus 2.6; P = 0.886). Cosmetic appearance at 6 weeks was comparable when patient (mean, 1.7 versus 1.8; P = 0.898), surgeon (mean, 2.6 versus 2.3; P = 0.633) and independent assessment (mean, 1.4 versus 1.9; P = 0.365) was performed.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of glued skin closure may increase the duration of surgery but acceptable neck mobility and wound cosmesis can be achieved by the more rapid application of stapled skin closure in cervicotomy incisions.

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Keywords: WOUND CLOSURE; NECK INCISION; SKIN STAPLES; TISSUE GLUE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588407X179062

Affiliations: 1: Scunthorpe General Hospital, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust, Scunthorpe, UK 2: Healthcare Commission, London, UK

Publication date: 2007-04-01

More about this publication?

• The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England is the official journal of the College and is published eight times a year in January, March, April, May, July, September, October and November. The main aim of the journal is to publish high quality, peer-reviewed papers that relate to all branches of surgery.
  
  The Annals also includes letters and comments, a regular technical section, NICE news, controversial topics, CORESS feedback, book reviews and the best trainee presentations from England and Wales. The editorial board is composed of members of the College Council and experts from across the surgical specialties.
  
  Archive issues of the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England are available via the PubMed Central database
  
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