Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Sutures Vs Cyanoacrylates for Minor Superficial Lacerated Wounds in Healthy Paediatric Age Groups

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to examine the advantages and disadvantages of using sutures vs cyanoacrylates (surgical glue) for minor superficial lacerated wounds in healthy paediatric age groups.

Methods: Participants of this research fall in the age group of 1 to 16 years. There was no chronic medical condition present in the patients. All the participants had had superficial regular clean forehead (including eyebrows) wounds less than 3 cm. All suturing procedures were performed under subcutaneous local anaesthesia. Proline suture 5-0 was used to suture the wound. Wound closure with surgical adhesive (cyanoacrylates) was completed without any anaesthesia.

Results: A total of 48 patients were part of this study. Feedback by the patients illustrated that all patients who had the procedure of suturing felt the pain during the procedure while among the group treated with surgical glue, some patients reported the feeling of pain or a burning sensation. Infection signs were most evident in the suture-treated group. Wound healing and scar formation periods were slightly higher with suture application when compared with the usage of surgical glue on wounds. Overall, most of the patients were satisfied and comfortable with treatment by the application of surgical glue (cyanoacrylates).

Conclusion: Tissue adhesives are gaining popularity day by day, and currently, critical evaluation of these adhesives is imperative to evaluate their advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness in comparison with present materials and methods.