Dermabond Skin Closures for Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasties: A Review of 255 Consecutive Cases:

Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives for wound closure after ankle fracture surgery: a prospective randomized trial

To date, only a few clinical studies have investigated the differences between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives (TSAs). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the two TSAs for wound closure after ankle fracture surgeries. Fifty-six patients were randomized to receive either a 2-octyl or n-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, wound cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES), and patient satisfaction for wound cosmesis was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and 5-item Likert scale. Functional outcomes at 6 months after surgery were assessed using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Fifty-five patients completed the study protocol. Within the follow-up period, no differences were found between the two groups in terms of HWES, VAS, 5-item Likert scale, and OMAS. 2-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA and n-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA were comparable options for wound closure after ankle fracture surgeries in terms of wound cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and functional outcome.

Novel In Vitro Study to Assess Microbial Barrier Properties of Polyurethane-Based Tissue Adhesives in Comparison to the Gold Standard Dermabond®

Tissue adhesives as a physical barrier to microorganism penetration provide an alternative method with many advantages for wound closure in surgical settings compared to the clinical standard. This raises the need of developing and conducting in vitro methods that are sensitive and reproducible to assess their microbial barrier properties. In this study, three different polyurethane-based tissue adhesives with different physicochemical properties were evaluated in comparison to Dermabond® as a clinical gold standard for topical wound closure. Here, physicochemical properties varied in lactide concentration, viscosity, processing, and the full polymerization time. To evaluate the microbial barrier function, a 5 μl aliquot of E. coli Lux inoculum containing at least 1 × 109 CFU/ml was applied to the surface of each test adhesive and sterile filter paper as the control that was placed on an agar plate and incubated at 37°C. Plates were observed for bacterial growth (morphology), the adhesion of the adhesive/filter paper, and bioluminescence after 24, 48, and 72 hours. The data presented in this in vitro model indicated that polyurethane-based tissue adhesives with lactide concentration ≥ 5% provided a suitable barrier against microbial penetration with 95% confidence of 99% efficacy for 72 h along with Dermabond®. Interestingly, the here described method was able to discriminate between the different physicochemical properties showing a better microbial barrier function with increasing lactide concentration of the adhesive. Overall, the results of this study showed the noninferiority between Dermabond® and the two abovementioned polyurethane-based tissue adhesives.

Comparing Dermabond PRINEO versus Dermabond or staples for wound closure: a randomized control trial following total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The method of surgical incision closure after total shoulder arthroplasty is an important factor to consider, as it affects operating room time, procedure cost, cosmetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The optimal method of wound management is unknown, but should be cost-effective, reproducible, and provide a reliable clinical result. This study aimed to compare the following wound closure methods after total shoulder arthroplasty: staples, Dermabond, and Dermabond PRINEO. We hypothesized that wound closure time for Dermabond PRINEO would be faster than Dermabond and comparable to that of staples, and Dermabond PRINEO would be more cost-effective than Dermabond and staples, and provide equal or superior closure outcomes to Dermabond and staples.

METHODS

A randomized, prospective clinical trial comparing wound closure time and cost for 2 surgeons' traditional technique with that of Dermabond PRINEO was conducted. This study included at least 18 subjects in each group. Surgeon 1's patients were randomized to traditional Dermabond or Dermabond PRINEO, whereas surgeon 2's patients were randomized to staples or Dermabond PRINEO. Cosmetic outcomes and satisfaction scores were collected at 6 weeks and 3 months, postoperatively. Incisions were photographed, at both the 6-week and 3-month visits, and subsequently evaluated by a plastic surgeon blinded to the treatment method.

RESULTS

The wound closure time for surgeon 1 was significantly faster for Dermabond PRINEO vs. Dermabond, and surgeon 2 closed significantly faster with staples vs. Dermabond PRINEO. The mean cost of closure was significantly less with Dermabond PRINEO compared with Dermabond, whereas the mean cost of staples was significantly less than Dermabond PRINEO. For both surgeons 1 and 2, there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction at 6 weeks or 3 months. In addition, the wound closure methods did not produce differing cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although significant, the closing time for each method did not differ by a clinically relevant amount. Staples were the most cost-effective closing method, followed by Dermabond PRINEO. As neither method was superior over the other in terms of patient satisfaction, adverse events, and cosmetic outcomes, cost-effectiveness may be the greatest differentiator between the 3 methods.

Tissue Adhesives in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery—Application of Silk Fibroin-Based Biomaterials

Tissue adhesives have been successfully used in various kind of surgeries such as oral and maxillofacial surgery for some time. They serve as a substitute for suturing of tissues and shorten treatment time. Besides synthetic-based adhesives, a number of biological-based formulations are finding their way into research and clinical application. In natural adhesives, proteins play a crucial role, mediating adhesion and cohesion at the same time. Silk fibroin, as a natural biomaterial, represents an interesting alternative to conventional medical adhesives. Here, the most commonly used bioadhesives as well as the potential of silk fibroin as natural adhesives will be discussed.

Incidence and risk factor of allergic contact dermatitis to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives

Although the use of topical skin adhesives has increased as an alternative to conventional skin closure methods, studies on the incidence and risk factors of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to topical skin adhesives have been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of ACD after the use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives. We retrospectively reviewed 1145 patients (739 patients with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and 406 patients with n-butyl cyanoacrylate) who underwent skin closure with topical skin adhesives. Variables suspected to correlate with ACD were retrieved from medical records and analyzed to determine risk factors. The incidence of ACD from the use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives was 2.7% and 2.2%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence between the two ingredients. In logistic regression analysis, none of the variables were found to increase the risk of ACD in both 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives. As ACD occurs without risk factors in 2-3% of patients who used 2-octyl cyanoacrylate or n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives, clinicians and patients should be aware of these facts before using topical skin adhesives.

The Effect of Tissue Adhesive on Surgical Site Infection Following Elective Bariatric Surgery: a Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

The reported incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following bariatric surgery ranges from 1.4 to 30%. The use of skin staples and tissue adhesive was shown to be superior to sutures in reducing SSI in a variety of surgical disciplines; however, this area is under-investigated in elective bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of tissue adhesive for skin closure on SSI in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the incidence of SSI in patients who underwent elective laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Tissue adhesive was selectively used for skin closure during the study period. Patient characteristics, operative data, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected from patient charts and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database.

RESULTS

A total of 1,579 patients were included in the study. Tissue adhesive was used in 31.2% of all operations (n = 494). The rate of incisional SSI in our study was 2.2% (n = 35). The use of tissue adhesive was more common in patients who developed incisional SSI compared with those without incisional SSI (54.3 vs. 30.8%, p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, the use of tissue adhesive remained an independent predictor for the development of incisional SSI (OR 2.77, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The use of tissue adhesive was an independent predictor for incisional SSI following elective bariatric surgery. This is the first study to report the effects of tissue adhesive in this patient population.

(CONSORT) Wound closure using Dermabond after excision of hemangioma on the lip

BACKGROUND

As the lip contains ample blood supply, hemangiomas often occur in this area. When surgical excision is performed, wound closure is important. To prevent infection from saliva and food, watertight wound closure is needed. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness of Dermabond for wound closure after hemangioma excision on the lip.

METHODS

Between December 2015 and August 2017, 11 patients with lip hemangioma underwent surgical excision. When closing the wound, Dermabond was used for skin closure after subcutaneous sutures. Demographic data and complications were recorded. Scars were evaluated with the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and the postoperative shape of the lip was assessed on a 10-point satisfaction scale at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

All cases completely healed without any complications, such as wound dehiscence or infection. There were no recurrences at postoperative 1 month during the follow-up period. The aesthetic results of the scars were also excellent. The average VSS score on postoperative 1 month was 4.2, and it decreased to 2.2 at postoperative 6 months. The average patient satisfaction score at postoperative 1 month was 7.4, and it increased to 9.5 at postoperative 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Dermabond is useful for wound closure after hemangioma excision on the lip. It prevents wound contamination, and yields acceptable aesthetic results.

Incisões cirúrgicas mamárias tratadas com 2-octilcianoacrilato versus sutura intradérmica com fio de nylon: ensaio clínico randomizado

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o perfil de segurança e os resultados estéticos do 2-octilcianoacrilato versus sutura intradérmica com fio de nylon em cirurgias mamárias. Métodos: ensaio clínico randomizado, aberto, que avaliou a ocorrência de complicações, como deiscência, hematoma, infecção e reações alérgicas após o uso do 2-octilcianoacrilato ou do fio de nylon. Também foi analisado o tamanho das incisões, o tempo de fechamento da pele e o tempo cirúrgico total. O resultado estético foi avaliado após 40 e 180 dias da cirurgia, por meio da largura média da ferida operatória e por avaliação subjetiva conceitual (ótimo, bom, razoável ou ruim). Resultados: foram incluídas 79 pacientes, sendo 37 no grupo 2-octilcianoacrilato e 42 no grupo de sutura com fio de nylon. O estudo foi interrompido antes do término do recrutamento dos pacientes pela ocorrência de maior número de deiscências no grupo do adesivo (OR: 11,42; IC95%: 1,36-96,02; p=0,007). Em relação às demais complicações analisadas, ao tempo cirúrgico e ao resultado estético no pós-operatório, não se observaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. A média do tamanho da ferida operatória foi maior no grupo do adesivo em relação ao grupo da sutura, mas não houve correlação entre o tamanho da ferida e o maior número de deiscências. Conclusão: o 2-octilcianoacrilato apresentou maior risco de deiscência em relação à sutura intradérmica, com resultados estéticos equivalentes.

Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Topical Skin Adhesive and Simple Interrupted Nylon Sutures for Wound Closure in Ankle Fracture Surgery

BACKGROUND

Multiple options are available for closure of incisions in ankle fracture surgery. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative outcomes between conventional simple interrupted nylon sutures and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate as a topical skin adhesive to close the incision after ankle fracture surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 367 consecutive patients (174 simple interrupted nylon suture patients and 193 topical skin adhesive patients) who underwent operative treatment for ankle fracture between 2010 and 2015. Development of wound complications, operative time, Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and patient satisfaction with the wound were compared. The demographics between the 2 groups were not different.

RESULTS

There were no differences in complication rates ( P = .861), OMAS at 3 months or 12 months following surgery ( P = .897 and .646, respectively) between the 2 types of wound closure. Operative time was 9 minutes shorter when topical skin adhesive was used compared to nylon sutures ( P = .003). Patient satisfaction with their wound was significantly higher in the topical skin adhesive group than the nylon skin suture group ( P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesive for wound closure following ankle fracture surgery was effective, safe, and showed higher patient satisfaction compared to simple interrupted nylon sutures. Although caution should be taken because of the insufficient statistical power of complications, this method was an additional safe option for wound closure in ankle fracture surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Nickel-Titanium Wire as Suture Material: A New Technique for the Fixation of Skin

PURPOSE

To introduce nickel-titanium wire as suture material for closure of incisions in cleft lip procedures.

METHOD

Closure of skin incisions using nickel-titanium wire as suture material, with postoperative follow-up wound evaluation.

RESULTS

There was excellent patient satisfaction and good cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

Nickel-titanium wire is an excellent alternative for suture closure of cleft lip surgical incisions.

Evaluation of a new skin closure device in surgical incisions associated with breast procedures

BACKGROUND

A novel topical skin adhesive system was developed to close the outermost layer of skin in an expeditious manner. To determine its clinical utility in breast procedures, a prospective clinical investigation was undertaken to demonstrate equivalence of a new adhesive (PRINEO™ Skin Closure System) to intradermal sutures in wound closure.

METHODS

The investigation comprised 79 patients who underwent elective surgery for bilateral breast procedures. Each breast incision was randomized to wound closure with the PRINEO™ Skin Closure System or intradermal sutures (used in accordance with standard local practice). Postoperative evaluations took place at 24 hours, 7 days, 12-25 days, 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months. Data were collected on the continuous approximation of the skin edges, the time required to close the include final skin layer, the evaluation of incision healing, and cosmesis outcomes. Safety evaluations were related to the incidence and extent of local acute inflammatory reactions, clinical infection, skin blistering, and adverse events.

RESULTS

PRINEO™ Skin Closure System was found to be equivalent to intradermal sutures for the continuous approximation of wounds associated with breast procedures. The upper limit of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for difference in proportions was less than the predetermined 12%, at 5.9%. The mean time to closure for the PRINEO™ Skin Closure System was 2.56 minutes, which was 13.66 minutes faster than that for intradermal sutures (16.22 minutes, P < 0.0001). Time savings may be less if 2 operators close simultaneously. On the other hand, because the device can be applied by 1 operator, the assistant's time may be freed up to attend to other tasks. Both treatments had similar incision healing and cosmetic outcomes. No quantitative or qualitative differences of clinical significance were evident between the treatment groups for local acute inflammatory reactions, clinical infection, or skin blistering. The number of serious adverse events was low, although the number of adverse events was higher, with 54/79 patients experiencing at least 1 adverse event.

CONCLUSION

PRINEO™ Skin Closure System can be considered equivalent to intradermal sutures for full-thickness surgical incisions associated with breast procedures, with regard to safety and effectiveness. It was also 6.3 times faster than intradermal sutures for wound closure.

A Pilot Study of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™) versus Conventional Suture Skin Closures for Caesarean Sections

Introduction:

2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™, Ethicon, USA) has been available as an alternative skin closure since 1997. There are no reports on keloid formation with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2OC) closure for Caesarean section. Our study aims to assess keloid formation after Caesarean sections, as well as the safety and efficacy of 2OC for skin closure in Caesarean sections.

Methods:

A pilot study of 97 cases of Caesarean section performed by a single surgeon was done — 50 2OC closure versus 47 suture closure. Keloid formation, average operating time, wound infection, wound dehiscence and adverse peri-wound conditions were compared. Proportions across the two series were compared using chi-square/fisher exact test. Average operating time was compared using unpaired t-test.

Results:

Keloid formation was not statistically significant (2OC 24.0% versus S 14.9%, p=0.382). Mean operating time was similar (2OC 34.1±7.2 minutes versus S 32.7±7.2 minutes, p=0.33). Wound infection rate was similar (2OC 2.0% versus S 2.1%, p=0.939). More women experienced adverse peri-wound conditions with suture closure (2OC 2.0% versus S 6.4%, p=0.303). No woman experienced wound dehiscence.

Conclusion:

2-octyl cyanoacrylate has similar efficacy to suture skin closure in terms of keloid formation, operating time, wound infection and adverse peri-wound conditions. It can be a safe alternative for Caesarean section skin closure.

The antibacterial effect of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond®) skin adhesive

Dermabond® is a tissue adhesive commonly used for wound or surgical incision closure. Its use has previously been associated with a reduction in wound infection, and it has been thought to act as a physical barrier to bacteria accessing the wound. This study aimed to establish whether the Dermabond® adhesive demonstrated any intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Solidified pellets of Dermabond® were placed on standardised Agar plates cultured with a variety of pathogens. Inhibition of growth was demonstrated against Gram-positive bacteria. Culture swabs taken from the inhibition rings demonstrated no growth, suggesting that Dermabond has a bactericidal mechanism of action. Based on the design of this study, the results suggest that Dermabond® demonstrates bactericidal properties against Gram-positive bacteria. Its use for wound closure following surgical intervention may reduce postoperative wound infection by Gram-positive organisms.

Cutaneous wound closure materials: an overview and update

Introduction:

On a daily basis, dermasurgeons are faced with different kinds of wounds that have to be closed. With a plethora of skin closure materials currently available, choosing a solution that combines excellent and rapid cosmetic results with practicality and cost-effectiveness can be difficult, if not tricky.

Objectives:

We aimed to review the available skin closure materials over the past 20 years and the scientific claims behind their effectiveness in repairing various kinds of wounds.

Materials and Methods:

The two authors independently searched and scrutinised the literature. The search was performed electronically using Pub Med, the Cochrane Database, Google Scholar and Ovid as search engines to find articles concerning skin closure materials written since 1990.

Conclusion:

Many factors are involved in the choice of skin closure material, including the type and place of the wound, available materials, physician expertise and preferences, and patient age and health. Evidence-based main uses of different skin closure materials are provided to help surgeons choose the appropriate material for different wounds.

Surgical site infection in spinal surgery: a comparative study between 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate and staples for wound closure

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal surgery is a devastating complication. Various methods of skin closure are used in spinal surgery, but the optimal skin-closure method remains unclear. A recent report recommended against the use of metal staples for skin closure in orthopedic surgery. 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond; Ethicon, NJ, USA) has been widely applied for wound closure in various surgeries. In this cohort study, we assessed the rate of SSI in spinal surgery using metal staples and 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate for wound closure.

METHODS

This study enrolled 609 consecutive patients undergoing spinal surgery in our hospital. From April 2007 to March 2010 surgical wounds were closed with metal staples (group 1, n = 294). From April 2010 to February 2012 skin closure was performed using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate (group 2, n = 315). We assessed the rate of SSI using these two different methods of wound closure. Prospective study of the time and cost evaluation of wound closure was performed between two groups.

RESULTS

Patients in the 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate group had more risk factors for SSI than those in the metal-staple group. Nonetheless, eight patients in the metal-staple group compared with none in the 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate group acquired SSIs (p < 0.01). The closure of the wound in length of 10 cm with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate could save 28 s and $13.5.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that in spinal surgery, wound closure using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate was associated with a lower rate of SSI than wound closure with staples. Moreover, the use of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate has a more time saving effect and cost-effectiveness than the use of staples in wound closure of 10 cm in length.

Use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate together with a self-adhering mesh (Dermabond™ Prineo™) for skin closure following abdominoplasty: an open, prospective, controlled, randomized, clinical study

BACKGROUND

Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. The appearance of the scar is a major factor that contributes to the aesthetic outcome of the procedure and depends largely on the technique of wound closure. The new Prineo™ wound closure system was introduced to combine the effectiveness of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™) together with a self-adhering mesh.

METHODS

Fifty-two women and eight men aged between 21 and 65 years who were scheduled for abdominoplasty were included in the study. The total operating times after abdominoplasty of the traditional wound closure technique and the Prineo™-type wound closure technique were compared. Furthermore, an analysis comparing the cost of the two methods was performed. Two weeks after surgery the wounds were examined and graded using the Hollander Cosmesis Scale. At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, the aesthetic outcome of the abdominal scar was evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Twelve months after surgery, the patients were asked to answer their part of the Patient Scar Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

The mean total operating time for the new skin closure system was statistically significantly shorter than that of intradermal sutures. The mean price difference per patient was 104.27<euro> (134.79$) in favor of Prineo™. The Hollander Cosmesis Scale indicated a significantly more favorable overall result with Prineo™ at 2 weeks after surgery. The Vancouver Scar Scale demonstrated a better cosmetic outcome in favor of Prineo™ 6 and 12 months after surgery. The Patient Scar Assessment Scale scores 12 months after surgery indicated that the patients noted significantly less pain, thickness, and irregularity with Prineo™.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we conclude that Prineo™ is a safe and effective substitute for superficial skin closure, with good cosmetic results and no increase in wound complications. The use of Prineo™ decreases operative time and cost and enhances the patient's postoperative comfort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effective wound closure with a new two-component wound closure device (Prineo™) in excisional body-contouring surgery: experience in over 200 procedures

BACKGROUND

In excisional body-contouring surgery the surgeon is often confronted with time-consuming closure of long wounds. Recently, a new combination of a self-adhering mesh together with a liquid 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive (Prineo™; Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) has been introduced to replace intracutaneous running suture.

METHODS

An observational study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the new wound closure device in excisional body-contouring procedures between January 2008 and November 2010. Wound characteristics were recorded in a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

During the study period, 224 procedures in 180 patients were undertaken. Twenty-seven patients had two subsequent operations and four patients had three subsequent operations. Application of the new device was easy and safe and patient satisfaction with the results was generally high. However, intense local allergic reactions were seen in 4 patients (1.8%), which necessitated early removal and topical corticosteroid treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Prineo™ enables the surgeon to perform a quick and smooth skin closure, especially in long incisions frequently encountered in excisional body-contouring surgery. The application is fast and easy if basic guidelines are respected. Operating time is saved by eliminating the need for time-consuming intracutaneous running sutures. Removal is easy and painless for the patient. However, there is a potential for local allergic adverse effects of which the surgeon must be aware.

Smoking and its effect on scar healing

Scar formation is influenced by several factors such as wound infection, tension, wound depth and anatomical localization. Hypertrophic scarring is often the result of an imbalance in the wound and scar healing process. The exact underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Smoking has a higher risk of postoperative complications probably due to a diminished macrophage induction. Following our clinical impression that smokers without postoperative wound infections show esthetically better scars, we evaluated the scars after a reduction mammaplasty in smoking and nonsmoking patients in a prospective clinical trial. Between July 2006 and September 2007, 13 smokers and 30 non smokers with a reduction mammaplasty were included. They were recruited from Viecuri Medical Centre and Atrium Medical Centre in the Netherlands after written consent. Surgical data and data of the patients' condition were collected. Follow-up for erythema values of the scars was done with a colorimeter (The Minolta CR-300, Minolta Camera Co., Ltd., Osaka Japan) at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively on four standardized postsurgical sites. ANOVA and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. In the smoking group, the scars were significantly less red compared to the nonsmoking group. No significant differences were found in BMI, resection weight and drain production between both groups. Although smoking is certainly not recommended as a preventive therapy to influence scar healing, this study confirms our assumption that smokers tend to have faster and less erythemateous scar healing to nonsmokers. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of the effect of smoking on scars.

2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate for wound closure in cervical and lumbar spinal surgery

It is claimed that wound closure with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate has the advantages that band-aids are not needed in the postoperative period, that the wound can get in contact with water and that removal of stitches is not required. This would substantially enhance patient comfort, especially in times of reduced in-hospital stays. Postoperative wound infection is a well-known complication in spinal surgery. The reported infection rates range between 0% and 12.7%. The question arises if the advantages of wound closure with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate in spinal surgery are not surpassed by an increase in infection rate. This study has been conducted to identify the infection rate of spinal surgery if wound closure was done with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate. A total of 235 patients with one- or two-level surgery at the cervical or lumbar spine were included in this prospective study. Their pre- and postoperative course was evaluated. Analysis included age, sex, body mass index, duration and level of operation, blood examinations, 6-week follow-up and analysis of preoperative risk factors. The data were compared to infection rates of similar surgeries found in a literature research and to a historical group of 503 patients who underwent wound closure with standard skin sutures after spine surgery. With the use of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate, only one patient suffered from postoperative wound infection which accounts for a total infection rate of 0.43%. In the literature addressing infection rate after spine surgery, an average rate of 3.2% is reported. Infection rate was 2.2% in the historical control group. No risk factor could be identified which limited the usage of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate. 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate provides sufficient wound closure in spinal surgery and is associated with a low risk of postoperative wound infection.