A prospective randomised controlled trial of octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and standard suture for wound closure following breast surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have demonstrated that octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive provides an equivalent cosmetic outcome as standard suture for wound closure. This study aimed to compare octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive with standard suture for wound closure following breast surgery. Methods: A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted in a public hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 70 female patients, who underwent elective excision of clinically benign breast lump between February 2009 and November 2011, were randomised to have wound closure using either octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive or standard wound suture following breast surgery. Wound complications and cosmetic outcome were measured. Results: Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive achieved wound closure in significantly less time than standard suturing (mean, 80.6 seconds vs 344.6 seconds; P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in wound condition or cosmetic outcome although number of clinic visits, ease of self-showering, and comfort of dressing significantly favoured octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. Conclusions: Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive may be offered as an option for wound closure following breast surgery.