Catgut Versus Polypropylene Sutures for Transcolumellar Incision Closure in Open Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background Open rhinoplasty, including the transcolumellar approach, is commonly performed as it has fewer side effects and provides superior anatomical control to the surgeons compared to closed rhinoplasty. However, the postoperative scar outcomes, such as scar appearance, vary depending on the type of suture used in wound closure, and the optimal suture type is not firmly established. Objective To compare the impact of catgut versus polypropylene sutures on the postoperative transcolumellar scar outcomes and patient satisfaction following open rhinoplasty. Methods This retrospective cohort study, including 100 patients who underwent transcolumellar open rhinoplasty, was conducted at otolaryngology department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. The patients were divided into two groups: the propylene suture group (group 1), which included 15 males and 35 females with a mean age of 31.5 years and underwent surgery using propylene sutures, and the catgut suture group (group 2), which included 10 males and 40 females with a mean age of 30.5 years and underwent surgery using catgut sutures. The postoperative transcolumellar scar outcomes, as determined by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) scores, and patient satisfaction, as assessed using a self-assessment scale, were compared between groups. Results The scars were unnoticeable in the majority of both groups: 88% in group 1 and 86% in group 2. The VAS and SBSES scores did not significantly differ between groups. Patients' satisfaction rates were also comparable and did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.341). Conclusion Both catgut and polypropylene sutures lead to similar outcomes and patient satisfaction rates in terms of postoperative rhinoplasty transcolumellar scars. Thus, catgut may be the optimal suture for closing transcolumellar incisions following open rhinoplasty.