Abstract
Background: Absorbable suture material (Fast Absorbing Gut [FG], Ethicon, Somerville NJ)is often used for patient convenience; however, the optimal diameter of FG sutures is debatable. Objective: To determine whether the use of 6-0 FG during repair of linear cutaneous surgery wounds on the head and neck improves scar cosmesis compared with the use of 5-0 FG. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, split-scar intervention in patients undergoing repair of linear cutaneous wounds on the head and neck. The scar was assessed 3 months after surgery via the Physician Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a validated instrument. Results: The difference in the sum of the POSAS component scores for 6-0 FG (12.03)compared with that for 5-0 FG (13.11)was not statistically significant (P =.26). Observer overall opinion was similar for both interventions, at 2.49 for 6-0 FG vs 2.64 for 5-0 FG (P =.54). The difference in the number of complications in the 5-0 FG group (15)vs the 6-0 FG group (10)was not statistically significant (P =.40). Limitations: Single-center study with wounds limited to the head and neck in white individuals, with a predominance of men. Conclusion: For linear repair of cutaneous wounds, 6-0 FG was not statistically different for cosmetic outcomes, scar width, and complications compared with 5-0 FG.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2019 |
Keywords
- 5-0
- 6-0
- cutaneous closure technique
- cutaneous surgery
- Fast Absorbing Gut
- scar evaluation
- suture caliber
- suture diameter
- suture size
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology