Comparing the Use of Tissue Adhesive (2-Octyl cyanoacrylate) and Interrupted Sutures for Caesarean Section Wound: a Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) plus interrupted nylon sutures versus interrupted nylon sutures alone for wound closure in Caesarean section wound in terms of cosmesis, wound complication rates, pain score by patient, and surgeon satisfaction.
Methods: This was a prospective, non-blinded, randomised controlled study involving 80 subjects undergoing elective Caesarean section having transverse suprapubic skin incisions. The subjects were randomised into two groups for wound closure, namely, with interrupted vertical mattress nylon sutures or the tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate, Dermabond) plus nylon sutures. Results were compared using Chi-square test and t test where appropriate. Main outcome measures were cosmesis score and wound complication rates in the two arms.

Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale as assessed by plastic surgeons (total mean score, 1.3 vs. 1.0; p=0.31). Wound complication rate, pain and cosmesis scores given by patients using visual analogue scale were comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion: Use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate in addition to interrupted nylon sutures showed an insignificant favourable trend towards lower cumulative wound complication rate with no significant differences in cosmesis or pain score.