Cosmetic outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in pediatric facial lacerations

Surgical site infection and patient-reported outcomes in surgically treated soft tissue facial injury: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue facial injuries (STFI) constitute a huge portion of craniofacial trauma, but the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following surgical management of STFI are unknown.

METHODS

A PRISMA-compliant search was conducted from January 1990 until March 2023, and meta-analysis was performed using R. Pooled effects of the outcomes were estimated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model or generalised linear mixed model, when feasible.

RESULT

Among the 8897 screened studies, 38 were included. Twelve studies reported PROMs (n = 985), whereas 28 studies reported SSI rates (n = 10,996) following operative treatment for STFI. The pooled SSI rate (n = 28) was 3.30 % (95 % CI 1.89 %-5.71 %). Surgical and non-surgical closure did not differ significantly in SSI rate. PROs focused on scar outcomes, cosmetic outcomes, quality of life and psychological impact. Subgroup analysis showed lower SSI risk in operative repair for general facial trauma compared to primary repair, and in general facial trauma compared to other aetiologies. The pooled patient scar assessment scale, score at 6-12 months post-intervention (5 studies, n = 217) was 16.16 (95 % CI 15.34-16.97). Limited evidence is available on the effect and superiority of surgical treatment in cosmetic outcomes, quality of life and psychological impact.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasise the limited and unreliable evidence available on PROs following operative treatment for STFI. Future studies employing robust methodologies are needed to investigate optimal approaches for managing STFI.

Absorbable versus Nonabsorbable Sutures for Facial Skin Closure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical and Aesthetic Outcomes

When repairing facial wounds, it is crucial to possess a thorough understanding of suitable suture materials and their evidence base. The absence of high-quality and comprehensive systematic reviews poses challenges in making informed decisions. In this study, we conducted a review of the existing literature and assessed the quality of the current evidence pertaining to the clinical, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes associated with absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for facial skin closure. The study was registered on Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. We conducted searches on Embase, Ovid, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in this study. Additionally, the risk of bias in the randomized studies was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool. The study included a total of nine RCTs involving 804 participants with facial injuries. Among these injuries, absorbable sutures were utilized in 50.2% (403 injuries), while nonabsorbable sutures were employed in 49.8% (401 injuries). The analysis of cosmesis scales revealed no statistically significant difference between absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures regarding infections ( p  = 0.72), visual analog scale ( p  = 0.69), wound dehiscence ( p  = 0.08), and scarring ( p  = 0.46). The quality of the included studies was determined to have a low risk of bias. Absorbable sutures can be considered a suitable alternative to nonabsorbable sutures, as they demonstrate comparable aesthetic and clinical outcomes. Future high-quality studies with a level I evidence design and cost-effectiveness analysis are necessary to enhance clinician-patient shared decision-making and optimize the selection of suture materials. Level of evidence is I, risk/prognostic study.

Fast absorbing gut sutures in dermatologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Fast gut cutaneous sutures have become more prominent due to their low tissue reactivity, rapid absorption, and elimination of suture removal visits. It is not known how fast gut sutures compare to other closure modalities.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fast gut sutures to alternative closure methods during dermatologic surgery. Data collected included patient and physician assessed cosmetic outcome as well as standardized complication rates.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in final analysis and reported on 208 patients. Fast gut sutures were associated with lower physician opinions of final scar when compared to polypropylene sutures (SMD 0.438; 95% CI 0.082 to 0.794). No differences existed between physician opinion of fast gut sutures and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (SMD - 0.024; 95% CI - 0.605 to 0.556). Complications with fast gut suture placement were rare, and included infection, dehiscence, and hematomas. Fast gut sutures were less likely to experience wound dehiscence than tissue adhesive (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

If no contraindications to polypropylene sutures exist, they may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to fast gut sutures. Further research is required to better quantify cosmetic outcomes and optimal use of fast gut sutures.

Prospective randomized trial of skin closure for pacemaker implantation: absorbable vs. non-absorbable suture : PRO-PACE

BACKGROUND

Pacemaker implantations have been performed for > 50 years, reaching 1.25 million implants worldwide per year. Despite this, only few randomized studies exist regarding technical aspects of the implantation procedure-in particular, wound closure. Accordingly, the authors compared absorbable vs. non-absorbable suture regarding wound healing.

METHODS

Consecutive patients scheduled for de novo pacemaker implantation without defibrillation therapy were prospectively randomized into two groups: non-absorbable (Prolene®, Ethicon Inc.) or absorbable suture (Monocryl®, Ethicon Inc.). The wound was systematically assessed for cosmetic outcome at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 1 year post implantation using the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS). Adverse events noted included bleeding, pocket hematoma, infection, suture insufficiency, and revision surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients (mean age: 79 ± 10 years, n = 60 male) were randomized into the two groups. Of these, 105 completed follow-up (lost to follow-up: 7.9%). Groups were comparable for clinical characteristics or use of oral anticoagulants. There was no difference in cosmetic outcome and incidence of adverse events at any follow-up visit. POSAS scores were: 1 day: 1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4, P = 0.44, 6 weeks: 1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.57; 1 year: 1.4 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 3, P = 0.60. No pocket hematoma or infection occurred in either group. No additional surgery was necessary for local findings. Retrospectively, scar development was straight in the Prolene® group and slightly wavy with Monocryl®.

CONCLUSION

Suture material does not influence wound healing as represented by the cosmetic result and the occurrence of adverse events. The choice of suture material used should be left to the physician's discretion.

The Most Current Algorithms for the Treatment and Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: A 2020 Update of the Algorithms Published 10 Years Ago

BACKGROUND

In 2010, this Journal published my comprehensive review of the literature on hypertrophic scars and keloids. In that article, I presented evidence-based algorithms for the prevention and treatment of these refractory pathologic scars. In the ensuing decade, substantial progress has been made in the field, including many new randomized controlled trials. To reflect this, I have updated my review.

METHODS

All studies were evaluated for methodologic quality. Baseline characteristics of patients were extracted along with the interventions and their outcomes. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and comprehensive reviews were included if available.

RESULTS

Risk factors that promote hypertrophic scar and keloid growth include local factors (tension on the wound/scar), systemic factors (e.g., hypertension), genetic factors (e.g., single-nucleotide polymorphisms), and lifestyle factors. Treatment of hypertrophic scars depends on scar contracture severity: if severe, surgery is the first choice. If not, conservative therapies are indicated. Keloid treatment depends on whether they are small and single or large and multiple. Small and single keloids can be treated radically by surgery with adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiotherapy) or multimodal conservative therapy. For large and multiple keloids, volume- and number-reducing surgery is a choice. Regardless of the treatment(s), patients should be followed up over the long term. Conservative therapies, including gel sheets, tape fixation, topical and injected external agents, oral agents, and makeup therapy, should be administered on a case-by-case basis.

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized controlled trials on pathologic scar management have increased markedly over the past decade. Although these studies suffer from various limitations, they have greatly improved hypertrophic scar and keloid management. Future high-quality trials are likely to improve the current hypertrophic scar and keloid treatment algorithms further.

Surgical wounds in reduction mammoplasty: a comparison of Monocryl and Prolene sutures on scars

OBJECTIVE

The type of suture material affects the quality of scars. The aim of this study was to find the superior suture material for reduction mammoplasty between Prolene and Monocryl based on the comparison of scars.

METHOD

A prospective observational study was conducted at a university-based hospital in Mashhad, Iran between October 2015 and September 2017. Monocryl and Prolene suture materials, used for closing the outermost layer in mammoplasty, were compared. Patients' incision scars were assessed objectively according to the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment (POSAS) criteria. The relevant CONSORT guideline was used for reporting this study.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight women with a mean age of 36.8±9.5 years were entered into the study. The frequency of wound healing in both groups was 97.4% 1 month after surgery and by the third visit, 3 months after surgery, only one patient had a stretched scar. Moreover, wound inflammation in the first two visits was less frequent in the Prolene group that healed completely 3 months after surgery (after excluding the one patient with wide scar inflammation). The frequency of itching of the wound in the Monocryl group was 24.4%, 11.5% and 12.8% in the three follow-up visits, respectively, and the values for the Prolene group were 24.4%, 9.0% and 6.4%, respectively. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of wound healing, inflammation and itching (p>0.05). Overall, 94.8% of patients were satisfied with the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that there was no significant difference between Monocryl and Prolene. Hence, either of the two suture materials can be used for wound closure in reduction mammoplasty.

Short-term Treatment Outcomes of Facial Rejuvenation Using the Mint Lift Fine

Background

Threadlifts are classified as absorbable or nonabsorbable, natural or synthetic, and multifilament or monofilament ones, each of which has its own merits and demerits. We placed a novel absorbable polydioxanone monofilament threadlift (Mint Lift Fine; HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea) in the subcutaneous fat compartment for facial rejuvenation in patients with nasolabial folds, nasojugal groove, marionette lines, or sagging jowl. Here, we describe its short-term treatment outcomes in a retrospective consecutive series of 21 patients.

Methods

A total of 21 patients (n = 21) were evaluated; their treatment outcomes were described based on a comparison between preoperative and postoperative findings and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were assessed at 6 months. This is accompanied by analysis of the incidence of postoperative complications.

Results

The patients had a mean GAIS score of 3.62 ± 0.84 points, which corresponds to "Much improved" or "Very much improved." Moreover, there were no significant differences in the GAIS scores between the target sites (midface and lower face: 3.78 ± 1.13; lower face: 3.43 ± 0.50; and midface: 3.60 ± 0.49; P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were a total of 4 cases (19.0%) of postoperative complications, all of which were spontaneously resolved within a maximum period of 4 months.

Conclusions

We describe short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine in patients with nasolabial folds, nasojugal groove, marionette lines, or sagging jowl. But further large-scale, prospective, multicenter studies with long periods of follow-up are, therefore, warranted to establish our results.

Biomechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of a Non-Absorbable Elastic Thread

To date, extensive studies have been conducted to assess diverse types of sutures. But there is a paucity of data regarding biomechanical properties of commonly used suture materials. In the current experiment, we compared biomechanical properties and biocompatibility, such as tensile strength and elongation, the degree of bovine serum albumin (BSA) release, in vitro cytotoxicity and ex vivo frictional properties, between a non-absorbable elastic thread (NAT; HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea) (NAT-R: NAT with a rough surface, NAT-S: NAT with a smooth surface) and the Elasticum® (Korpo SRL, Genova, Italy). The degree of tensile strength and elongation of Si threads was significantly higher in both the NAT-R and -S as compared with the Elasticum® (p < 0.05). Moreover, the degree of tensile strength and elongation of PET threads was significantly lower in both NAT-R and -S as compared with the Elasticum® (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degree of tensile strength and elongation of braided Si/PET threads was significantly lower in NAT-S as compared with NAT-R and Elasticum® (p < 0.05). The degree of BSA release was significantly higher in the NAT-R as compared with Elasticum® and NAT-S throughout a 2-h period in the descending order (p < 0.05). The degree of cell viability was significantly higher in both NAT-R and -S as compared with Elasticum® (p < 0.05). The degree of coefficient of friction as well as the frictional force and strength was significantly higher in NAT-R as compared with NAT-S and Elasticum® (p < 0.05). NAT had a higher degree of biomechanical properties and biocompatibility as compared with Elasticum®. But further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to compare the efficacy, safety, and potential role as a carrier for drug delivery between NAT and Elasticum®.

Making better wound management decisions

Clinicians make wound management decisions based on scientific research of varying quality as well as personal and observed habits, anecdotal evidence, and even misinterpreted data. This article examines some common traumatic wound management topics and discusses appropriate decision-making for wound management.

Absorbable Versus Nonabsorbable Sutures for Skin Closure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Prior studies focused on skin closure using absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures involved small samples and produced conflicting results. The optimal method of skin closure still remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for skin closure.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for skin closure.

RESULTS

A total of 1748 patients in 19 RCTs were analyzed. There was no significant difference between absorbable sutures and nonabsorbable sutures in the incidence of wound infections, cosmetic outcomes, scar formation, wound dehiscence, and patients' or patient caregivers' satisfaction. Better cosmetic results were achieved by using intradermal absorbable sutures compared with nonabsorbable sutures in subgroup analysis, but this result might be affected by insufficient follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Absorbable sutures for skin closure were not inferior to nonabsorbable sutures. It should be recommended due to its great cost and time savings. Well-designed RCTs with sufficient follow-ups are needed to adequately clarify whether better cosmetic results can be achieved using intradermal absorbable sutures.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Zipper Technique versus Intracutaneous Sutures for the Closing of Surgical Incision

BACKGROUND

It is controversial whether surgical zipper technique (SZT), a non-invasive method of surgical wound closure, achieves a better outcome of incision healing than intracutaneous sutures (IS) in the surgery. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically analyze whether surgical zipper is superior to suture material for the incision closure.

METHODS

Databases and reference lists were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SZT with IS for the incision closure.

RESULTS

Four RCTs with 678 patients were identified and analyzed. Compared with IS, SZT achieved similar incidence of postoperative complications, less time for incision closure, less cost of both surgeons' time and operating room time, no need for removing sutures and more comfort for the patients. Besides, SZT achieved perfect aesthetic results in various types of incisions with the exception of those with substantial curvatures, those with secretions, in obese patients or those under high tension.

CONCLUSION

The non-invasive zipper technique may be a more attractive option of incision closure in a wide spectrum of surgical areas.

The Effect of Channa striatus (Haruan) Extract on Pain and Wound Healing of Post-Lower Segment Caesarean Section Women

Channa striatus has been consumed for decades as a remedy to promote wound healing by women during postpartum period. The objectives of this study were to compare postoperative pain, wound healing based on wound evaluation scale (WES), wound cosmetic appearance based on visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and patient satisfaction score (PSS), and safety profiles between C. striatus group and placebo group after six weeks of lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) delivery. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Subjects were randomised in a ratio of 1 : 1 into either the C. striatus group (500 mg daily) or placebo group (500 mg of maltodextrin daily). 76 subjects were successfully randomised, with 38 in the C. striatus group and 35 in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain (p = 0.814) and WES (p = 0.160) between the C. striatus and placebo groups. However, VAS and PSS in the C. striatus group were significantly better compared with the placebo group (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, resp.). The safety profiles showed no significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, six-week supplementation of 500 mg of C. striatus extract showed marked differences in wound cosmetic appearance and patient's satisfaction and is safe for human consumption.

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.

A comparison of cosmetic outcomes of lacerations on the extremities and trunk using absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare the cosmetic outcomes of traumatic trunk and extremity lacerations repaired using absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures. The secondary objective was to compare complication rates between the two groups.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial comparing wounds repaired with Vicryl Rapide and Prolene sutures. Pediatric and adult patients with lacerations were enrolled in the study. At a 10-day follow-up, the wounds were evaluated for infection and dehiscence. After 3 months, patients returned to have the wounds photographed. Two plastic surgeons blinded to the method of closure rated the cosmetic outcome of each wound using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Using a noninferiority design, a VAS score of 13 mm or greater was considered to be a clinically significant difference. We used a Student's t-test to compare differences between mean VAS scores and odds ratios (ORs) to compare differences in complication rates between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 115 patients enrolled, 73 completed the study including 35 in the Vicryl Rapide group and 38 in the Prolene group. The mean (±SD) age of patients who completed the study was 22.1 (±15.5) years, and 39 were male. We found no significant differences in the age, race, sex, length of wound, number of sutures, or layers of repair in the two groups. The observer's mean VAS for the Vicryl Rapide group was 54.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.5 to 67.0 mm) and for the Prolene group was 54.5 mm (95% CI = 45.7 to 66.3 mm). The resulting mean difference was 0.5 mm (95% CI = -12.1 to 17.2 mm; p = 0.9); thus noninferiority was established. Statistical testing showed no differences in the rates of complications between the two groups, but a higher percentage of the Vicryl Rapide wounds developed complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of simple lacerations on the trunk and extremities should be considered as an alternative to nonabsorbable suture repair.

Continuous versus interrupted skin sutures for non-obstetric surgery

BACKGROUND

Most surgical procedures involve a cut in the skin, allowing the surgeon to gain access to the surgical site. Most surgical wounds are closed fully at the end of the procedure; this review focuses on these closed wounds. There are many ways to close the surgical incision, for example, using sutures (stitches), staples, tissue adhesives or tapes. Skin sutures can be continuous or interrupted. In general, continuous sutures are usually subcuticular and can be absorbable or non-absorbable, while interrupted sutures are usually non-absorbable and involve the full thickness of the skin - although some surgeons do use absorbable interrupted sutures.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of continuous compared with interrupted skin closure techniques in participants undergoing non-obstetric surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

In August 2013 we searched the following databases: Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase; and EBSCO CINAHL.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared skin closure using continuous sutures with skin closure using interrupted sutures, irrespective of whether there were differences in the nature of the suture materials used in the two groups. We included all relevant RCTs in the analysis, irrespective of language of publication, publication status, publication year or sample size.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified the trials and extracted data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for comparing binary outcomes between the groups, and calculated the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for comparing continuous outcomes. We performed meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model and a random-effects model. We performed intention-to-treat analysis whenever possible.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five RCTs with a total of 827 participants. Outcomes were available for 730 participants (384 participants randomised to continuous sutures and 346 participants to interrupted sutures). All the trials were of unclear or high risk of bias. The participants underwent abdominal or groin operations. The only outcomes reported in the trials were superficial surgical site infection, superficial wound dehiscence (breakdown) and length of hospital stay. Other important outcomes such as quality of life, long-term patient outcomes and use of healthcare resources were not reported in these trials.Overall, 6.5% (39/602 participants, four trials) developed superficial surgical site infections. There was no significant difference between the groups in the proportion of participants who developed superficial surgical site infections (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.33). A total of 23 participants (23/625 (3.7%), four trials) developed superficial wound dehiscence. Twenty-two of the 23 participants belonged to the interrupted suture group.The proportion of participants who developed superficial wound dehiscence was statistically significantly lower in the continuous suture group compared to the interrupted suture group (RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.35). Most of these wound dehiscences were reported in two recent trials in which the continuous skin suture groups received absorbable subcuticular sutures while the interrupted skin suture groups received non-absorbable transcutaneous sutures. The non-absorbable sutures were removed seven to nine days after surgery in the interrupted sutures groups whilst sutures in the comparator groups were not removed, being absorbable. The continuous suture technique with absorbable suture does not require suture removal and provides support for the wound for a longer period of time. This may have contributed to the difference between the two groups in the proportion of participants who developed superficial wound dehiscence. There was no significant difference in the length of the hospital stay between the two groups (MD -1.40 days; 95% CI -7.14 to 4.34).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Superficial wound dehiscence may be reduced by using continuous subcuticular sutures. However, there is uncertainty about this because of the quality of the evidence. Besides, the nature of the suture material used may have led to this observation, as the continuous suturing technique used suture material that did not need to be removed, whereas the comparator used interrupted (non-absorbable) sutures that did need to be removed. Differences in the methods of skin closure have the potential to affect patient outcomes and use of healthcare resources. Further well-designed trials at low risk of bias are necessary to determine which type of suturing is better.

Update on scar management: guidelines for treating Asian patients

BACKGROUND

Following injury, Asian skin has a tendency towards hyper-pigmentation and scar formation, and therefore the prevention of scarring is particularly important in Asian patients. Since publication of an International Clinical Recommendation on Scar Management in 2002, there have been numerous publications in the field of scar management. Advances in understanding scar formation have also led to the introduction of new treatments as well as a better understanding of established therapeutic options.

METHODS

A literature search for abstracts, clinical trials and meta-analyses evaluating scar prevention and treatment was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Based on this data a panel of experts formulated treatment recommendations for Asian patients.

RESULTS

Following surgery, scar prevention should be initiated in all Asian patients due to the high risk of poor scars. There is strong evidence for the efficacy of silicone based products, and due to their ease of use, they can be considered first-line therapy. Silicone gel (versus silicone gel sheets) products have demonstrated efficacy. For patients who fail to respond to first-line therapy, intralesional steroid injections, radiation therapy, and intralesional 5-flourouracil injections have achieved widespread acceptance. Laser treatments have been increasingly used, although the evidence remains largely anecdotal without a clear consensus on optimal wavelength, or amount of energy. Surgical approaches have increased in sophistication with recognition of the impact that tension has on scar formation.

CONCLUSION

Updated scar management recommendations will benefit practitioners making decisions regarding optimal, evidence-based treatment strategies for their patients.

What is important to patients in wound management

Traumatic wounds are a common reason for patients to attend emergency departments. There are many ways of managing these wounds from glue to suturing. The authors conducted a patient survey to identify the outcome measures most important to patients after closure of traumatic wounds. The results showed that having the least chance of infection was the most important outcome, followed by being looked after by caring staff and a quick recovery. These finding were consistent regardless of the anatomical location of the wound or age of the patient. This information is being used to guide the authors in the most appropriate outcome measures for further research.

Comparison of cosmetic outcomes of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in pediatric facial lacerations

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare cosmetic outcomes, complication rates, and patient/caregiver satisfaction of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures in children.

METHODS

Healthy patients, 1 to 18 years old, with facial lacerations 1 to 5 cm, were randomized to repair with fast-absorbing catgut (FAC) or nylon (NYL) sutures. Patients returned in 4 to 7 days and in 3 to 4 months, at which time photographs and caregiver surveys were completed. Unlike part I, all FAC sutures were permitted to absorb rather than be removed. Using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), a noninferiority (NI) design was applied, with a difference of less than 15 mm considered clinically equivalent. Caregivers and 3 blinded physicians independently rated the scars via photographs.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 76 caregiver surveys were completed, and 61 (29 FAC, 32 NYL) had photographs scored by physicians. The mean physician VAS scores for FAC and NYL were 57.6 and 67.6, respectively (difference, -10.0; 95% confidence interval, -19.1 to -0.4); thus, NI could not be established. The mean caregiver VAS scores for the FAC and NYL groups were 93.8 and 86.6, respectively (difference, 7.2; 95% confidence interval, -4.9 to 13.9); thus, NI of FAC was established. There were no significant differences in rates of infection, wound dehiscence, or keloid formation. In terms of future preference, caregivers favored FAC (33/33) over NYL (26/36) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Caregiver VAS scores showed NI of FAC, which were also preferred by the caregivers. However, NI for FAC could not be demonstrated by blinded physicians with respect to cosmetic outcomes.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for treatment of benign adnexal disease: single-center experience over 3-years

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe the effects of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery performed over 3 consecutive years to treat adnexal disease and to report patient perioperative outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Women undergoing LESS because of a benign gynecologic indication, from January 2009 through December 2011.

INTERVENTIONS

Women with benign adnexal disease ≤10 cm underwent LESS surgery through a single 1.5- to 2.0-cm umbilical incision. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were carefully recorded, including the need for postoperative rescue analgesia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled. Median patient age was 49 years, and median body mass index was 23. Surgical procedures included unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and unilateral or bilateral cyst enucleation. Median operative time was 48 minutes. Pain control was optimal, with an average visual analog score of 4/10. Both patients and surgeons were highly satisfied with the cosmetic result, and the cosmetic visual analog score was 9/10 at discharge and at 30 days after surgery. The number of women who underwent unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy increased progressively and significantly yearly over the study period (16 vs 23 vs 40; p = .001). Median operative time for unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy increased significantly from 2009 to 2010 and 2011 (34 vs 45 and 44 minutes; p = .001), together with median BMI (23 vs 23 vs 25; p = .04).

CONCLUSION

LESS is a desirable surgical approach in patients with simple adnexal disease.

Predictors of parent satisfaction in pediatric laceration repair

OBJECTIVES

Patient and parent satisfaction are important measures of quality of care. Data are lacking regarding satisfaction with emergency procedures, including laceration repair. The objective was to define the elements of care that are important to parents during a pediatric laceration repair and to determine the predictors of excellent parent satisfaction.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study of a convenience sample of patients younger than 18 years of age presenting for laceration repair to an urban tertiary care children's hospital emergency department (ED). At the end of the ED visit, parents completed a survey developed for this study assessing ratings of their experience and their perception of how their child experienced the repair. Exploratory factor analysis was used to derive the factors comprising parents' perception of the laceration repair process. A separate factor analysis was performed for the 0- to 4-years age subgroup. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine which of these factors predicted excellent parent satisfaction with the visit, and also satisfaction with the procedure itself, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

A total of 408 parents returned completed surveys (response rate=76%). Factor analysis revealed that three factors provided a summary of the 16 survey items. They were labeled "provider performance,""anxiety and pain," and "cosmetic appearance," based on factor loading patterns. Provider performance was the only predictor of satisfaction with the visit (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=11.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=6.2 to 21.6). Provider performance (adjusted OR=4.7; 95% CI=3.1 to 7.2) and cosmetic appearance (adjusted OR 2.7; 95% CI=1.7 to 4.2) predicted satisfaction with the procedure. Anxiety and pain did not predict either outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider performance, which comprises the elements of physician communication, caring attitude, confidence, and hygiene, is the strongest predictor of excellent parent satisfaction for pediatric patients with ED visits for laceration repair.

Primary and secondary management of pediatric soft tissue injuries

Injury is the most common cause of death in pediatric patients, with a large proportion related to head injury. The craniofacial region in children develops rapidly and at an early age, making the area more prominent compared with the remainder of the body, increasing the likelihood of injury. This article reviews the primary management of pediatric soft tissue injuries, including assessment, cleansing, surgical technique, anesthesia, and considerations for special wounds. The secondary management of pediatric facial injury is also discussed, including scar revision, management of scar hypertrophy/keloids, and staged surgical correction.