Wound Closure Techniques
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a single layer dermally sutured wound results in superior outcomes to a layered closure.
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a single layer dermally sutured wound results in superior outcomes to a layered closure. Our aims are to compare outcomes using a split wound model, where half the wound is sutured with one technique and the other half is sutured with the other. This will be measured via the physician observer scar assessment scale, a validated scar instrument and via wound width. Our hypothesis is that wounds with a single layer closure will result in cosmetically superior wound outcomes.
Interventions
PROCEDUREDermal Suturing Only Wound Closure
The side assigned to dermal suturing only will be closed with a single layer of deep absorbable sutures. The method will be buried vertical mattress or set-back suturing at the surgeons discretion.
PROCEDURELayered Cutaneous Wound Closure
The side assigned to layered closure is closed with 5-0 fast acting gut.
Sponsors
University of California, Davis
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Able to give informed consent themselves * Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure with predicted linear closure * Willing to return for follow up visits
Exclusion criteria
* Mentally handicapped * Incarceration * Pregnant Women * Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3 cm * Wounds unable to be fully closed via primary closure
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Scar on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 3 Months | 3 months | After surgical procedure, half of the subject's wound will be closed by single layer suturing, while the other half is closed by layered cutaneous closure. After 3 months, subjects will return to clinic for evaluation of the cosmesis of both types of closure techniques. |
| Assessment of Scar on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 12 Months | 12 months | After surgical procedure, half of the subject's wound will be closed by single layer suturing, while the other half is closed by layered cutaneous closure. After 12 months, subjects will return to clinic for evaluation of the cosmesis of both types of closure techniques. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement of Scar Width | 3 months and 12 months | The width of the scar will be measured 1 centimeter from the midline on both sides. There is no defined width that is considered satisfactory or not satisfactory. The measurements will be compared between subjects. |
| Assessment of Complications | 3 months and 12 months | Noting the presence or absence of bleeding, dehiscence, infection or spitting sutures. |
Outcome results
None listed