Comparisons between Three Different Skin Closure Methods on Incisions Repair

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Various studies have proven the effect of closure technique on the repair outcome. But there are few studies to investigate the functional and cosmetic outcomes related to different closure techniques. As regards to method of wound and ruptures closure has effects on healing process and choosing the best technique by physician has the priority, the aim of this study is to compare three different suture techniques. Materials and Methods: In this study, sixty patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture were studied. After subcutaneous tissue closure, skin incision was sutured by three different methods includings: Simple technique, vertical mattress or semisubcuticular suture techniques. To evaluate the cosmetic outcomes visual analogue scale was used. During the study wounds were observed for inflammation, infection or discharges. Results: In semisubcuticular method there was k=0.67 with p<0.001 between second and third observer, k=0.35 (p=0.001) between first and second observer and k=0.22 (p=0.001) between first and third observer. In simple technique group the result of second and third observer there was k=0.61 (p=0.01) and kappa results of first and second observer and first and third observer of 0.19 and 0.17 (p=0.002) respectively. The maximum calculated kappa for vertical mattress technique was k=0.54 (p<0.001) between second and third observer. All sutures were free of infection and dehiscence. Conclusion: It seems that semisubcuticular technique has better cosmetic results to other two techniques. So, using this closure technique may increase the patients' satisfaction from operation.

Keywords: Suture technique, Closure, Cosmesis