A prospective randomized study of wound approximation with tissue glue in circumcision in children

Sutureless circumcision using monopolar diathermy and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate is safe and effective in a cohort of 634 post-neonatal prepubescent boys

BACKGROUND

Circumcision is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the world, with one-third of males circumcised globally. Post-neonatal, prepubescent sutured circumcision demonstrates complication rates ranging from 1.7% to 9.1%. We have previously reported that 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA, Dermabond, Ethicon) primary circumcision (PC) and circumcision revision (CR) in prepubescent children demonstrated superior cosmesis, shorter operating room (OR) times and cost savings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to evaluate complication and reoperation rates with a scalpel-free and suture-less technique for primary circumcision (PC) and circumcision revision (CR) using 2-OCA.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective review of all boys at our institution who underwent PC or CR using 2-OCA and monopolar diathermy between January 2014 and January 2021. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. The technique is outlined in the figure below. No aligning sutures or instruments were used in this process. Patients that required sutures or compressive dressings based on age or associated anomalies were excluded from analysis. We obtained all returns to our system within 30 days of the procedure and returns to the OR during the study period using the REDCap database.

RESULTS

Of 1107 procedures performed during the study period, 634 procedures (479 PC and 155 CR) met inclusion criteria. Median age was 12 months (range 3 months-10.4 years) with minimum follow up of 1 year. There were 3 patients (0.47%) that returned to system within 30 days for surgical site bleeding, and one patient (0.15%) required surgical intervention within 30 days. Nine patients required reoperation after 30 days, five (0.8%) for iatrogenic phimosis, 3 (0.5%) for redundant prepuce and 1 for keloid formation. We observed an overall complication rate of 1.3% (6/634) and reoperation rate of 1.6% (10/634).

DISCUSSION

Since FDA approval in 1998, 2-OCA has been widely adopted as a replacement for sutures in tension-free wounds. However, it has yet to gain widespread use for circumcision given concerns for wound dehiscence and surgical site bleeding. This study demonstrates that a scalpel-free and suture-less technique demonstrates complication and reoperation rates are lower than reported circumcision using scalpel and sutures. Limitations include retrospective design, single surgeon experience, and REDCAP database only identifying patients with complications that required a return to system.

CONCLUSION

Our technique for suture-less circumcision using 2-OCA offers superior cosmesis, shorter OR times, cost savings, and a lower complication rate (1.3%) compared to sutured circumcision (>1.7%) reported in post-neonatal prepubescent boys.

A Comparative Study Between Conventional Sutures, Staples, and Adhesive Glue for Clean Elective Surgical Skin Closure

As long as medicine has subsisted, wound closure has existed. When assessing a surgical wound, physicians are more than ever confronted with various sutures and other closure materials. The surgeon must choose the most appropriate material for that specific closure because not one substance is perfect in all circumstances. The history of suturing wounds is intertwined with the history of surgery. Wound suturing is a critical component of wound therapy, including suturing materials and techniques. Suturing has been practiced for thousands of years. Although suture materials and techniques have changed, the goals like closing dead space, supporting and strengthening wounds until healing increases their tensile strength, approximating skin edges for an aesthetically pleasing and functional result, and reducing the risk of bleeding and infection remain the same. Traditional skin closure with sutures requires time and effort, creates an unsightly scar, and requires infection removal. In this modern era, patients find it appealing when the operated location has a decent cosmetic appearance. The quicker, more comfortable, and most aesthetically pleasing method of skin closure is what surgeons are searching for. Assessing whether newer methods are superior to sutures and staples is necessary. Better cosmesis, flexibility, water resistance, painless sealed skin closure, and ease of application are all advantages of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate. This article aims to provide an overview of the critical characteristics of traditional sutures, common suture materials, sticky glue, and staples, as well as additional closure materials.

The efficacy of tissue glue in pediatric circumcision wound approximation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Tissue glue has been examined extensively for its effectiveness in pediatrics, and the findings are good. The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of tissue glue compared to absorbable sutures for wound approximation in pediatric circumcision.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis on children who had circumcision using tissue glue and absorbable suture were done in line with the PRISMA criteria. RevMan 5.4 was used to perform the meta-analysis. The mean differences for continuous and dichotomous data are determined using inverse variance, and the odds ratio is calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel technique.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by six trials containing a total of 817 patients. According to the analysis, tissue glue significantly reduces the duration of the operation (MD - 7.98; 95% CI -12.35, -3.62; p = 0.0003), pain severity (SMD -0.57; 95%CI -0.80, -0.32; p < 0.00001) and the duration of pain (MD - 2.33; 95% CI -2.57, -2.08; p < 0.00001) compared to absorbable suture. However, we found that there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, infection, dehiscence, or overall complication when comparing tissue glue to traditional suture.

CONCLUSION

Our systematic review and meta-analysis using the most recent data suggest that tissue glue usage might reduce the operation time, as well as the intensity and duration of postoperative pain.

The use of non-surgical glue to repair perineal first-degree lacerations in normal birth: A non-inferiority randomised trial

BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM

Surgical glue has been indicated for uncomplicated operatory wounds; however, it has a considerable cost. Non-surgical glue, a commercially available and cheaper product, has not been studied for repairing postpartum lacerations.

AIM

To compare non-surgical glue to traditional sutures on perineal first-degree lacerations after normal birth.

METHODS

In a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial, we selected childbearing women who were admitted for normal term births and in whom skin lacerations occurred. They were assigned to laceration repair using either non-surgical glue (ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate; Glue group) or catgut sutures (Suture group). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of dehiscence >3mm. Secondary endpoints were procedure runtime, pain score, satisfaction level, and aspects of perineal repair by the REEDA score (hyperaemia, oedema, ecchymosis, exudation, and coaptation) immediately (T0), 24-48h (T1), and 7-10 days (T2) after childbirth.

FINDINGS

We included 126 women, 63 in each group, and found a non-inferiority dehiscence rate in the Glue Group compared to the Control group (T1=1.6% vs. 1.6%, P=0.999 and P<0.001 for non-inferiority; and T2=2.2% vs. 4.3%, P=0.557). In the Glue Group, the procedure runtime was shorter, pain score was lower, and women's satisfaction was greater. No women had any allergic reaction in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-surgical glue was not inferior to traditional sutures to repair postpartum first-degree lacerations. In addition, non-surgical glue was associated with less pain and greater satisfaction. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5Z8MKC).

Subcuticular sutures for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery

BACKGROUND

Following surgery, surgical wounds can be closed using a variety of devices including sutures (subcuticular or transdermal), staples and tissue adhesives. Subcuticular sutures are intradermal stitches (placed immediately below the epidermal layer). The increased availability of synthetic absorbable filaments (stitches which are absorbed by the body and do not have to be removed) has led to an increased use of subcuticular sutures. However, in non-obstetric surgery, there is still controversy about whether subcuticular sutures increase the incidence of wound complications.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the efficacy and acceptability of subcuticular sutures for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2019, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials which compared subcuticular sutures with any other methods for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery were included in the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified the trials, extracted data and carried out risk of bias and GRADE assessment of the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 66 studies (7487 participants); 11 included trials had more than two arms. Most trials had poorly-reported methodology, meaning that it is unclear whether they were at high risk of bias. Most trials compared subcuticular sutures with transdermal sutures, skin staples or tissue adhesives. Most outcomes prespecified in the review protocol were reported. The certainty of evidence varied from high to very low in the comparisons of subcuticular sutures with transdermal sutures or staples and tissue adhesives; the certainty of the evidence for the comparison with surgical tapes and zippers was low to very low. Most evidence was downgraded for imprecision or risk of bias. Although the majority of studies enrolled people who underwent CDC class 1 (clean) surgeries, two-thirds of participants were enrolled in studies which included CDC class 2 to 4 surgeries, such as appendectomies and gastrointestinal surgeries. Most participants were adults in a hospital setting. Subcuticular sutures versus transdermal sutures There may be little difference in the incidence of SSI (risk ratio (RR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.52; 3107 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether subcuticular sutures reduce wound complications (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.71; 1489 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures probably improve patient satisfaction (score from 1 to 10) (at 30 days; MD 1.60, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.88; 290 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Wound closure time is probably longer when subcuticular sutures are used (MD 5.81 minutes; 95% CI 5.13 to 6.49 minutes; 585 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures versus skin staples There is moderate-certainty evidence that, when compared with skin staples, subcuticular sutures probably have little effect on SSI (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.01; 4163 participants); but probably decrease the incidence of wound complications (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.98; 2973 participants). Subcuticular sutures are associated with slightly higher patient satisfaction (score from 1 to 5) (MD 0.20, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30; 1232 participants; high-certainty evidence). Wound closure time may also be longer compared with staples (MD 0.30 to 5.50 minutes; 1384 participants; low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures versus tissue adhesives, surgical tapes and zippers There is moderate-certainty evidence showing no clear difference in the incidence of SSI between participants treated with subcuticular sutures and those treated with tissue adhesives (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.45; 869 participants). There is also no clear difference in the incidence of wound complications (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.11; 1058 participants; low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures may also achieve lower patient satisfaction ratings (score from 1 to 10) (MD -2.05, 95% CI -3.05 to -1.05; 131 participants) (low-certainty evidence). In terms of SSI incidence, the evidence is uncertain when subcuticular sutures are compared with surgical tapes (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.27; 354 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or surgical zippers (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.08 to 8.48; 424 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There may be little difference in the incidence of wound complications between participants treated with subcuticular sutures and those treated with surgical tapes (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.34; 492 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether subcuticular sutures reduce the risk of wound complications compared with surgical zippers (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.04; 424 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It is also uncertain whether it takes longer to close a wound with subcuticular sutures compared with tissue adhesives (MD -0.34 to 10.39 minutes; 895 participants), surgical tapes (MD 0.74 to 6.36 minutes; 169 participants) or zippers (MD 4.38 to 8.25 minutes; 424 participants) (very low-certainty evidence). No study reported results for patient satisfaction compared with surgical tapes or zippers.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear difference in the incidence of SSI for subcuticular sutures in comparison with any other skin closure methods. Subcuticular sutures probably reduce wound complications compared with staples, and probably improve patient satisfaction compared with transdermal sutures or staples. However, tissue adhesives may improve patient satisfaction compared with subcuticular sutures, and transdermal sutures and skin staples may be quicker to apply than subcuticular sutures. The quality of the evidence ranged from high to very low; evidence for almost all comparisons was subject to some limitations. There seems to be no need for additional new trials to explore the comparison with staples because there are high-quality studies with large sample sizes and some ongoing studies. However, there is a need for studies exploring the comparisons with transdermal sutures, tissue adhesives, tapes and zippers, with high-quality studies and large sample sizes, including long-term assessments.

Sutureless circumcision using 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate results in more rapid and less painful procedures with excellent cosmetic satisfaction

INTRODUCTION

Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure in male children in the world and is performed because of cultural, religious or medical reasons. Traditionally, interrupted sutures are used to close the wound, but 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) tissue glue can be used as an alternative method to close the circumcision wound.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the use of 2-OCA with absorbable sutures in circumcision wound closure in prepubescent patients in terms of operative time, complication rate, postoperative pain and cosmetic results.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively evaluated 662 circumcision procedures using sutures and 609 procedures using 2-OCA for wound closure in prepubescent boys. All circumcision procedures were performed by 2 surgeons in a single centre. Operative time was collected from the hospital surgical software system. 62% of the patients in the suture group and 59% of the patients in the 2-OCA group presented for a postoperative check-up 6 weeks after the circumcision. Data regarding postoperative pain, need for analgesia, cosmetic satisfaction and the ease of wound care were collected through questionnaires completed by 25% of the boy's parents in the suture group and 53% of the parents in the 2-OCA group.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the 2-OCA group (13 min) than in the suture group (17 min). Complications were comparable and mostly minor. Reintervention was only required in 3 cases. According to the parents, the degree of postoperative pain and the postoperative need for analgesics was significantly lower in the 2-OCA group. Wounds closed with 2-OCA were easier to care for. The cosmetic results after 1 day, after 1 week and after 1 month in the 2-OCA group were significantly superior than in the suture group, according to the parents' evaluation.

DISCUSSION

The use of 2-OCA in circumcision wound closure has been reported before. Previous studies with mainly limited patient numbers report less pain, shorter procedure times and a higher surgeon satisfaction in terms of cosmetic results. This study is the largest study comparing the use of 2-OCA and interrupted sutures in circumcision wound closure. The retrospective character of the study, the lack of a validated questionnaire tool for the cosmetic evaluation and the use of the parent's evaluation are the limitations of this study.

CONCLUSION

The use of 2-OCA in circumcision wound closure results in a shorter operative time, in less postoperative pain, in easy postoperative wound care and in excellent cosmesis when compared to interrupted absorbable sutures. 2-OCA is our current technique of choice in circumcision wound closure.

Tissue adhesives for closure of surgical incisions

BACKGROUND

Sutures (stitches), staples and adhesive tapes have been used for many years as methods of wound closure, but tissue adhesives have entered clinical practice more recently. Closure of wounds with sutures enables the closure to be meticulous, but the sutures may show tissue reactivity and can require removal. Tissue adhesives offer the advantages of an absence of risk of needlestick injury and no requirement to remove sutures later. Initially, tissue adhesives were used primarily in emergency room settings, but this review looks at the use of tissue adhesives in the operating room/theatre where surgeons are using them increasingly for the closure of surgical skin incisions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of various tissue adhesives compared with conventional skin closure techniques for the closure of surgical wounds.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2014 for this second update we searched the 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. We did not restrict the search and study selection with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We conducted screening of eligible studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently and in duplicate. We expressed results as random-effects models using mean difference for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. We investigated heterogeneity, including both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

This second update of the review identified 19 additional eligible trials resulting in a total of 33 studies (2793 participants) that met the inclusion criteria. There was low quality evidence that sutures were significantly better than tissue adhesives for reducing the risk of wound breakdown (dehiscence; RR 3.35; 95% CI 1.53 to 7.33; 10 trials, 736 participants that contributed data to the meta-analysis). The number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome was calculated as 43. For all other outcomes - infection, patient and operator satisfaction and cost - there was no evidence of a difference for either sutures or tissue adhesives. No evidence of differences was found between tissue adhesives and tapes for minimising dehiscence, infection, patients' assessment of cosmetic appearance, patient satisfaction or surgeon satisfaction. However there was evidence in favour of using tape for surgeons' assessment of cosmetic appearance (mean difference (VAS 0 to 100) 9.56 (95% CI 4.74 to 14.37; 2 trials, 139 participants). One trial compared tissue adhesives with a variety of methods of wound closure and found both patients and clinicians were significantly more satisfied with the alternative closure methods than the adhesives. There appeared to be little difference in outcome for different types of tissue adhesives. One study that compared high viscosity with low viscosity adhesives found that high viscosity adhesives were less time-consuming to use than low viscosity tissue adhesives, but the time difference was small.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Sutures are significantly better than tissue adhesives for minimising dehiscence. In some cases tissue adhesives may be quicker to apply than sutures. Although surgeons may consider the use of tissue adhesives as an alternative to other methods of surgical site closure in the operating theatre, they need to be aware that sutures minimise dehiscence. There is a need for more well designed randomised controlled trials comparing tissue adhesives with alternative methods of closure. These trials should include people whose health may interfere with wound healing and surgical sites of high tension.

Management of haemostasis in surgery: sealant and glue applications

Blood loss has always been a sensitive issue in surgery. Traditional techniques, such as suturing and electrocautery, have drastically reduced operatory bleeding. Unfortunately, wound edges and point application devices are frequently characterized by bleeding and infections. Over the past 20 years, haemostatic agents and tissue sealants have been developed and now are currently used, along with classic suture in various surgical specialties. Their fluid nature allows management of blood loss along any point of the wound and tissue repair. This review presents an overview of the most diffused haemostatic sealants, focusing on their main use in surgery and their adverse effects.

Male circumcision

Male circumcision consists of the surgical removal of some, or all, of the foreskin (or prepuce) from the penis. It is one of the most common procedures in the world. In the United States, the procedure is commonly performed during the newborn period. In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convened a multidisciplinary workgroup of AAP members and other stakeholders to evaluate the evidence regarding male circumcision and update the AAP's 1999 recommendations in this area. The Task Force included AAP representatives from specialty areas as well as members of the AAP Board of Directors and liaisons representing the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Task Force members identified selected topics relevant to male circumcision and conducted a critical review of peer-reviewed literature by using the American Heart Association's template for evidence evaluation. Evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks; furthermore, the benefits of newborn male circumcision justify access to this procedure for families who choose it. Specific benefits from male circumcision were identified for the prevention of urinary tract infections, acquisition of HIV, transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer. Male circumcision does not appear to adversely affect penile sexual function/sensitivity or sexual satisfaction. It is imperative that those providing circumcision are adequately trained and that both sterile techniques and effective pain management are used. Significant acute complications are rare. In general, untrained providers who perform circumcisions have more complications than well-trained providers who perform the procedure, regardless of whether the former are physicians, nurses, or traditional religious providers. Parents are entitled to factually correct, nonbiased information about circumcision and should receive this information from clinicians before conception or early in pregnancy, which is when parents typically make circumcision decisions. Parents should determine what is in the best interest of their child. Physicians who counsel families about this decision should provide assistance by explaining the potential benefits and risks and ensuring that parents understand that circumcision is an elective procedure. The Task Force strongly recommends the creation, revision, and enhancement of educational materials to assist parents of male infants with the care of circumcised and uncircumcised penises. The Task Force also strongly recommends the development of educational materials for providers to enhance practitioners' competency in discussing circumcision's benefits and risks with parents. The Task Force made the following recommendations:Evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, and the benefits of newborn male circumcision justify access to this procedure for those families who choose it. Parents are entitled to factually correct, nonbiased information about circumcision that should be provided before conception and early in pregnancy, when parents are most likely to be weighing the option of circumcision of a male child. Physicians counseling families about elective male circumcision should assist parents by explaining, in a nonbiased manner, the potential benefits and risks and by ensuring that they understand the elective nature of the procedure. Parents should weigh the health benefits and risks in light of their own religious, cultural, and personal preferences, as the medical benefits alone may not outweigh these other considerations for individual families. Parents of newborn boys should be instructed in the care of the penis, regardless of whether the newborn has been circumcised or not. Elective circumcision should be performed only if the infant's condition is stable and healthy. Male circumcision should be performed by trained and competent practitioners, by using sterile techniques and effective pain management. Analgesia is safe and effective in reducing the procedural pain associated with newborn circumcision; thus, adequate analgesia should be provided whenever newborn circumcision is performed.Nonpharmacologic techniques (eg, positioning, sucrose pacifiers) alone are insufficient to prevent procedural and postprocedural pain and are not recommended as the sole method of analgesia. They should be used only as analgesic adjuncts to improve infant comfort during circumcision. If used, topical creams may cause a higher incidence of skin irritation in low birth weight infants, compared with infants of normal weight; penile nerve block techniques should therefore be chosen for this group of newborns. Key professional organizations (AAP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American College of Nurse Midwives, and other midlevel clinicians such as nurse practitioners) should work collaboratively to:Develop standards of trainee proficiency in the performance of anesthetic and procedure techniques, including suturing; Teach the procedure and analgesic techniques during postgraduate training programs; Develop educational materials for clinicians to enhance their own competency in discussing the benefits and risks of circumcision with parents; Offer educational materials to assist parents of male infants with the care of both circumcised and uncircumcised penises. The preventive and public health benefits associated with newborn male circumcision warrant third-party reimbursement of the procedure. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed this technical report.

Paediatric sutureless circumcision--an alternative to the standard technique

INTRODUCTION

Circumcision is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in male children. A range of surgical techniques exist for this commonly performed procedure. The aim of this study is to assess the safety, functional outcome and cosmetic appearance of a sutureless circumcision technique.

METHODS

Over a 9-year period, 502 consecutive primary sutureless circumcisions were performed by a single surgeon. All 502 cases were entered prospectively into a database including all relevant clinical details and a review was performed. The technique used to perform the sutureless circumcision is a modification of the standard sleeve technique with the use of a bipolar diathermy and the application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) to approximate the tissue edges.

RESULTS

All boys in this study were pre-pubescent and the ages ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean age 3.5 years). All patients had this procedure performed as a day case and under general anaesthetic. Complications included: haemorrhage (2.2%), haematoma (1.4%), wound infection (4%), allergic reaction (0.2%) and wound dehiscence (0.8%). Only 9 (1.8%) parents or patients were dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance.

CONCLUSION

The use of 2-OCA as a tissue adhesive for sutureless circumcisions is an alternative to the standard suture technique. The use of this tissue adhesive, 2-OCA, results in comparable complication rates to the standard circumcision technique and results in excellent post-operative cosmetic satisfaction.

Sutureless circumcision - An Indian experience

Context:

Traditionally, circumcision wounds are closed by absorbable sutures. However, certain alternative methods are also being utilized to overcome the shortcomings of the conventionally used method for circumcision wound closuring. In the current study, the use of tissue glue ((iso amyl 2-cyanoacrylate) has been compared with traditional suturing for the approximation of circumcision wounds. In our study, both the methods were found to be comparable with significantly less time consumed in glue group.

Aims:

The purpose of the present study has been to compare directly cyanoacrylate as a better alternative to conventional suture material in terms of cosmetic result, time consumed and incidence of infection (comparative study).

Materials and Methods:

The results of all the patients seen in outpatient department for circumcision were included in this study. The study was conducted from Aug 2009 to May 2010. The tissue glue (iso amyl 2-cyanoacrylate) was compared to sutures as a method of wound approximation in circumcision.

Results:

Tissue glue group has been observed to have less wound inflammation, bleeding or hematoma rate and was cosmetically superior as compared to suture group; however, none of these findings could reach statistically significant level. The mean time taken for circumcision was 14.2 min (SD 2.42), when tissue glue was used for wound approximation. However, it was 24.4 min (SD 5.06) in case of the use of sutures. This difference was found as highly significant (P value < 0.001). However, regarding postoperative pain no significant reduction was observed when glue was used.

Conclusions:

This study showed that the use of tissue glue in comparison to sutures is having the following advantages:

Cosmetically superior

Less time consuming

All other parameters measured were nearly the same and statically insignificant.

The advantages of cyanoacrylate wound closure in circumcision

PURPOSE

To compare 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate (2-octyl-CA) glue with polyglytone 6211 sutures in circumcision wound closure on the basis of operative time, safeness, postoperative pain and cosmesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The boys who would undergo circumcision in 18-month period (n = 137) were grouped into two. In Group 1 (n = 64), 6/0 polyglytone 6211 sutures, and in Group 2 (n = 73), 2-octyl-CA glue were used for wound closure. Durations of anesthesia, surgical procedures and postoperative pain, and pain scores on the 2nd and 48th postoperative hours were determined. A classification system was constructed to evaluate cosmesis, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. Quantitative differences were assessed by Mann-Whitney U and Student's t tests, and qualitative analyses were performed by χ (2) test. p was considered as significant at less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The pain scores of the groups were comparable. Durations of anesthesia, surgical procedures and postoperative pain were significantly shorter (p < 0.05); and cosmesis, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding status were significantly better in Group 2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

2-Octyl-CA seems to be a good alternative to the conventional suturing technique in circumcision wound closure with shorter operation time, ease of appliance, improved safeness, better cosmesis and shorter duration of postoperative pain.

Tissue adhesives for closure of surgical incisions

BACKGROUND

Sutures, staples and adhesive tapes are the traditional methods of wound closure, whilst tissue adhesives have entered clinical practice more recently. Closure of wounds with sutures enables meticulous closure, but they may show tissue reactivity and can require removal. Tissue adhesives offer the advantages of no risk of needlestick injury and no requirement to remove sutures later. Tissue adhesives have been used primarily in emergency rooms but this review looks at the use of tissue adhesives in the operating room where surgeons are increasingly using these for the closure of surgical skin incisions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relative effects of various tissue adhesives and conventional skin closure techniques on the healing of surgical wounds.

SEARCH STRATEGY

For this update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (Searched 17/11/09); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) - The Cochrane Library Issue 4 2009; Ovid MEDLINE - 1950 to November Week 1 2009; Ovid EMBASE - 1980 to 2009 Week 46; EBSCO CINAHL - 1982 to 17 November 20098. No date or language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled clinical trials were eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies and data extraction were conducted independently and in triplicate whilst assessment of the methodological quality of the trials was conducted independently and in duplicate. Results were expressed as random effects models using mean difference for continuous outcomes and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes. Heterogeneity was investigated including both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

This update identified an additional six trials resulting in a total of fourteen RCTs (1152 patients) which met the inclusion criteria. Sutures were significantly better than tissue adhesives for minimising dehiscence (10 trials). Sutures were also found to be significantly faster to use. For all other analyses of infection, patient and operator satisfaction and cost there was no significant difference between sutures and tissue adhesives. No differences were found between tissue adhesives and tapes (2 trials) for minimising dehiscence, infection, patients assessment of cosmetic appearance, patient satisfaction or surgeon satisfaction. However a statistically significant difference in favour of using tape was found for surgeons' assessment of cosmetic appearance (mean difference 13, 95% CI 5 to 21). Tapes were also demonstrated to be significantly faster to use than tissue adhesives as were staples (1 trial). No other outcome measures were analysed in this group. One trial compared tissue adhesives with a variety of methods of wound closure and found both patients and clinicians were significantly more satisfied with the alternative closure methods than the adhesives. In this same trial tissue adhesives were significantly less time consuming to use. For the remaining outcomes of dehiscence and infection no difference was observed between groups. This trial also compared high viscosity with low viscosity adhesives and found that high viscosity adhesives were less time consuming to use than low viscosity tissue adhesives. For all other outcomes of dehiscence, infection, patient satisfaction and operator satisfaction there was no statistically significant difference between high and low viscosity adhesives.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Sutures were significantly better than tissue adhesives for minimising dehiscence and were found to be significantly faster to use. Although surgeons may consider the use of tissue adhesives as an alternative to other methods of surgical site closure in the operating theatre they must be aware that adhesives may take more time to apply and that if higher tension is needed upon an incision, sutures may minimise dehiscence. There is a need for more well designed randomised controlled trials comparing tissue adhesives and alternative methods of closure. These trials should include people whose health may interfere with wound healing and surgical sites of high tension.

Paediatric sutureless circumcision: a systematic literature review

Circumcision can be undertaken using a variety of techniques. For the technique to be successful, it should be easy to perform, avoid excessive haemorrhage and achieve a good cosmetic and functional result with minimal postoperative care. Naturally, there are differences between circumcision in the paediatric and adult populations and here we review the literature on recent advances that have been made in paediatric circumcision and the use of a sutureless technique with tissue glue for wound approximation.

Sutureless skin closure with isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate in pediatric day-care surgery

Importance of day-care surgery in pediatric age group is ever increasing and nowadays bulk of surgery is performed as a day-care procedure. Day-care procedure requires short intra-operative period and less postoperative complications. The introduction of tissue adhesive has been received enthusiastically since they may result in equivalent tensile strength-improved cosmetic appearance of the scar and lower infection rate when compared to sutures, staples and adhesive tape. We have used isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate as a tissue adhesive for skin closure in day-care surgery. Novocryl is ideal for such procedure as it is a sterile, inert, non-toxic, biocompatible and bacteriostatic liquid topical skin adhesive containing isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate formulation. We applied isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate glue in 100 patients over skin cut margin after stitching subcutaneous tissue. Skin margin were held together by means of skin hook for 1-2 min. The cosmesis was better as there were no suture marks or lumpiness. There were no major complications in our study. Thus, isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate can be considered as an alternative to skin suturing in the pediatric day-care surgery.

Use of Dermabond tissue adhesive in hand surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of a tissue adhesive for wound closure in elective hand surgery.

METHOD

A prospective observational study of the use of Dermabond for wound closure was undertaken. The cohort consisted of a consecutive case series of 105 patients and 114 surgical wounds. Surgeon and patient assessment was undertaken at a mean of 20 days (10 to 56 days) postoperatively.

RESULTS

Wound complication rate was low (one adverse event) and all patients were satisfied (46%) or very satisfied (54%) with wound healing and cosmesis.

CONCLUSION

Dermabond use in hand surgery is safe and well tolerated by patients. Routine postoperative wound review in these patients may not be needed thereby saving time and resources.

Superglue in otology

BACKGROUND

The use of stitches and staples for the closure of surgical wounds is associated with complications for both the surgeon and the patient. Histoacryl (butyl1-2cyanoacrylate glue) is widely used for wound closure in Accident and Emergency departments, in particular for facial and scalp wounds.

METHOD

We have used Histoacryl for closure of various surgical incisions in a series of 50 cases and assessed the cosmetic outcome at three to four weeks.

RESULTS

There were no wound related complications in the form of infection or dehiscence. In one case however, there was formation of synechiae in the external auditory meatus following an endaural incision.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the use of Histoacryl over traditional closure using skin suture material in otological surgery. Our experience was also successful in parotid cases.

Wound approximation with tissue glue in circumcision

BACKGROUND

To assess the feasibility of using tissue glue in the approximation of circumcision wounds in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized trial was carried out on 30 boys (age, 1-10 years) admitted to the Kahramanamaras Sutcuimam University Medical Faculty, Turkey. The results of wound approximation in circumcision with cyanoacrylate tissue glue and suturing with interrupted 5/0 plain catgut were compared. The operations were carried out by the same surgeon using an identical technique. The wounds were assessed 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the two groups in the rates of wound inflammation, infection, bleeding and dehiscence, although cosmetic appearance was better in the tissue glue group. The operation time was also shorter in this group.

CONCLUSION

Using tissue glue for wound approximation in circumcision is a feasible alternative.

Sutureless circumcision: a prospective randomised controlled study

Our aim was to study the advantages of glue versus sutures for circumcision in children. A randomised prospective controlled study was conducted with 152 boys; glue was used on 80 and sutures on 72. The procedures were quicker and the duration and severity of postoperative pain were significantly less (p < 0.001) in the cases in which glue was used. The tissue glue is a perfectly feasible alternative to sutures for circumcision in children and has potentially significant advantages.

Tissue adhesives for closure of surgical incisions

BACKGROUND

Sutures, staples and adhesive tapes are the traditional methods of wound closure, whilst tissue adhesives have entered clinical practice more recently. Closure of wounds with sutures enables meticulous closure, but sutures may induce tissue reactivity and they usually require removal. Tissue adhesives offer the advantages there are no sutures to remove later for the patient and no risk of needlestick injury to the surgeon. Tissue adhesives have been used primarily in emergency rooms but this review looks at the use of tissue adhesives in the operating room where surgeons are increasingly using these for the closure of surgical skin incisions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relative effects of various tissue adhesives and conventional skin closure techniques on the healing of surgical wounds.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Bibliographies of review articles were checked for studies outside the handsearched journals and wound care product manufacturers were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled clinical trials only.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies and data extraction was conducted independently and in triplicate whilst assessment of the methodological quality of the trials was conducted independently and in duplicate. Results were expressed as random effect models using weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes and relative risk with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes. Heterogeneity was investigated including both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight RCTs were included (630 patients). No statistically significant differences were found between various tissue adhesives and sutures (8 trials) for dehiscence, infection, satisfaction with cosmetic appearance when assessed by patients' or surgeons' general satisfaction. Nor were differences found between a tissue adhesive and tapes (2 trials) for infection, patients' assessment of cosmetic appearance, patient satisfaction or surgeon satisfaction. However a statistically significant difference was found for surgeons' assessment of cosmetic appearance with mean difference 13 (95%CI 5 to 21), the higher mean rating for the tissue adhesive group.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons may consider the use of tissue adhesives as an alternative to sutures or adhesive tape for the closure of incisions in the operating room. There is a need for trials in all areas but in particular to include patients that require incision closure in areas of high tension and patients of general health that may impair wound healing.

Evaluation of octylcyanoacrylate for wound repair of clinical circumcision and human skin incisional healing in a nude rat model

PURPOSE

Alternative methods of circumcision wound closure have been studied to decrease repair time and complications, and improve cosmesis. This study includes a clinical and a laboratory research portion. Clinical parameters, wound outcome, closure time and operative time were compared for octylcyanoacrylate and suture approximation of circumcision incisions. An in vivo incisional model using human foreskin was used to compare the wound breaking strength of octylcyanoacrylate and suture repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Circumcision incisions were closed with suture or octylcyanoacrylate. Wound closure time and operating room time were recorded. Patients were evaluated 1 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Foreskin samples from another group of patients were engrafted to an immunodeficient rat and allowed to heal. Incisions were made in the human skin and the wounds were repaired with sutures or octylcyanoacrylate. After 7 days breaking stress was tested and healing was evaluated by histological testing.

RESULTS

Optimal wound healing was noted in all patients 1 week after surgery. Scarring was absent in the octylcyanoacrylate group. Octylcyanoacrylate closure time was significantly shorter than suture time (p <0.001). Mean total operating room time for octylcyanoacrylate plus or minus standard deviation was shorter than for suture (19.4 +/- 0.51 versus 26.9 +/- 0.94 minutes, p <0.001). Octylcyanoacrylate wound breaking stress was equivalent to suture on tensiometry. Histological testing revealed normal healing in all wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Circumcision wounds may be closed by octylcyanoacrylate with shorter wound closure and operative time than by suture. In an animal model of human skin healing, wound breaking stress after octylcyanoacrylate closure was equivalent to suture repair. Octylcyanoacrylate may be a useful alternative to suture closure for circumcision incisions.