Outcomes of Running Locking Suture vs Standard Running Suture in Surgical Wounds: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial
University of California, Davis
Summary
When patients have surgery on the head and face, stitches are the standard way to close the wound. Wounds always result in a scar, but doctors are always looking for ways to reduce scarring. Several studies have been done to test ways to close wounds that reduce scarring. The most commonly performed closure technique uses running sutures, where a single strand of suture is continued along the length of the wound with a series of uninterrupted stiches. However, alternative closure techniques exist such as the running locking suture, which can offer advantages such as improved tension and thus reduce post-operative complications with better aesthetic outcome. In this study, half the wound will be stitched with standard running sutures and the other half will be stitched with running locking sutures. This will allow us to see if the side with running locking sutures heals with less scarring.
Description
Following cutaneous surgical procedures, scar formation is inevitable. Reducing the degree of scar formation and achieving the best aesthetic outcome remains prominent within the dermatological literature. Wound closure can be achieved by a variety of suturing techniques. After the dermis is closed using deep sutures, the epidermis is closed with a second layer of sutures for additional reinforcement. Approximating the epidermis is commonly performed with running sutures, where a single strand of suture is continued along the length of the wound with a series of uninterrupted stiches. Runnin…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to give informed consent themselves * Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head or neck with predicted primary closure * Willing to return for follow up visit Exclusion Criteria: * Incarceration * Under 18 years of age * Pregnant Women * Unable to understand written and oral English * Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3cm
Interventions
- ProcedureRunning locking suture
In running locking sutures, the first anchoring knot is made at one end of the wound, and a loop of suture is left from the beginning of the throw. The needle is then passed through the loop of suture, locking the suture in place. This is repeated until reaching the end of the wound, where the suture material is then tied to the loop using an instrument tie for the final throw.
- ProcedureStandard running suture
In standard running sutures, the first anchoring knot is made at one end of the wound, and all of the suture material is pulled through after completing the throw. This is repeated until reaching the end of the wound, where the suture material is then tied.
Location
- University of California, Davis - Dermatology DepartmentSacramento, California