Basal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Conditions
Brief summary
The investigators hope to compare two different methods of closing skin wounds using sutures. One of these methods (the set-back technique) was recently described in 2010 and has been reported to be technically easier and reduces the chance of spitting sutures (deep sutures that are pushed to the surface of the skin as the wound heals). The other method (the vertical mattress technique) has been used for many years with good results. However, no controlled studies have been performed to clearly demonstrate a difference between the two methods. We hope to find differences in the height of the wound edges immediately after surgery(5 minutes following the procedure) as well as the appearance of the scar and symptoms associated with the scar 3 months after surgery.
Interventions
PROCEDURESet-back suture
PROCEDUREVertical mattress suture
Sponsors
University of California, Davis
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Elliptical surgical wound that needs to be closed with a layered closure * Wound 3 cm in length or longer
Exclusion criteria
* Incarceration * Active pregnancy * Less than 18 years of age * Unable to give informed consent * Non-English or Dutch speaking (the scar assessment scale described below has only been validated in the English and Dutch languages) * Wound closure projected to be less than 3 cm in length * Skin less than 3 mm in thickness (dermis and epidermis combined)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scar width | 3 months | Width of scar in millimeters for each side of scar measured 1 cm from the midline. |
| Mean of sum of 2 blinded reviewers Physician Observer Assessment scores | 3 months | Compare the functional and cosmetic outcomes of the two sutured halves of each scar at 3 months follow-up as follows: a. Use a previously validated scar assessment scale called the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, specifically the averaged sum of the total score of 2 blinded observers. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Height of scar immediately following wound closure | 5 minutes | Height of each side of the wound will be measured 1 cm from the midpoint of the wound in millimeters |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed