Compare Cosmetic Outcomes of Subcuticular Skin Closure Using Polypropylene and Polyglactin
Conditions
Brief summary
Polypropylene versus Polyglactin in Upper Limb Subcuticular Skin Closure
Detailed description
Background and Rationale Although previous studies have compared absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, most did not specifically evaluate standardized scar outcomes for subcuticular closure in the upper limb. While upper limb wounds may not carry the same aesthetic priority as facial wounds, scars in this region are highly visible and can adversely affect patients' psychological well-being. Subcuticular suturing is commonly used to improve cosmetic outcomes and reduce wound complications. Both Polypropylene (non-absorbable) and Polyglactin (absorbable) are widely used materials, yet their comparative performance in subcuticular skin closure remains controversial. Aim and Objectives Primary objective: \- To compare cosmetic outcomes of subcuticular skin closure using Polypropylene and Polyglactin Secondary objectives: * To compare postoperative wound complication rates (including infection, wound dehiscence, and hematoma formation) between polypropylene and polyglactin sutures * To assess patient-reported discomfort and satisfaction associated with each suture material * To assess the influence of the nature of surgery (elective vs trauma) on wound healing outcomes for each suture type
Interventions
PROCEDUREUpper limb wounds subcuticular skin closure with Polypropylene
Upper limb wounds subcuticular skin closure
PROCEDUREUpper limb wounds subcuticular skin closure with Polyglactin
Upper limb wounds subcuticular skin closure with Polyglactin
Sponsors
Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged ≥18 years * Patients undergoing any surgical procedure involving the upper limb * Procedures performed in either elective or emergency settings * Wounds suitable for primary subcuticular skin closure * Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Heavily contaminated or infected wounds * Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, chronic steroid use, immunosuppression or peripheral vascular disease * Crush injuries and wounds with significant tissue loss * Known allergy to suture material * Delayed primary closure wounds
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic outcome measured using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) total score (range 6-60) | Baseline | Scar quality will be evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), which includes both patient-reported and observer-reported components. Each item is scored from 1 to 10, with total scores ranging from 6 to 60, where lower scores indicate better cosmetic outcome. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Patient satisfaction measured using a 5-point Likert scale (score range 1-5) | Baseline | Patient satisfaction will be assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 indicates very dissatisfied and 5 indicates very satisfied. The outcome will be reported as a numerical score reflecting the patient's overall satisfaction with the surgical result. |
| Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) (number and percentage of patients) | Baseline | Surgical site infection will be assessed based on clinical criteria including the presence of purulent discharge, localized swelling, erythema, warmth, or wound dehiscence, with or without positive bacterial culture. The outcome will be reported as the number and percentage of patients who develop SSI during the follow-up period. |
| Incidence of wound dehiscence (number and percentage of patients) | Baseline | Wound dehiscence will be defined as partial or complete separation of the surgical wound edges after closure. The outcome will be assessed clinically during follow-up visits and reported as the number and percentage of patients who develop wound dehiscence. |
| Incidence of hematoma formation (number and percentage of patients) | Baseline | Hematoma formation will be defined as a localized collection of blood at the surgical site, identified clinically by swelling, discoloration, or tension, with or without the need for evacuation. The outcome will be assessed during follow-up and reported as the number and percentage of patients who develop a hematoma. |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
CONTACTMohamed Elsaid Hamisa
Outcome results
None listed