Continuous versus interrupted sutures for facial surgery repair: a randomized prospective study. 2015

Marie-Michele Blouin, and Mohammed Al Jasser, and Arko Demanczuk, and Jonathan Berkowitz, and David Zloty
*Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; †Division of Plastic Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ‡Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

BACKGROUND The cosmetic appearance of a facial scar is a concern for patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Although suturing technique may influence scar cosmesis, few studies have been published comparing suturing methods for MMS repair. OBJECTIVE To compare the cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars sutured with either continuous or interrupted percutaneous nylon sutures. METHODS Patients with facial MMS defects were randomized to have half their scar sutured with interrupted 5-0 nylon stitches, whereas the other half of the scar was closed with running 5-0 nylon stitches. The appearance of each half of the scar was assessed at 1 week, 8 weeks, and 6 months by the principal investigator. Blinded photographic evaluation at 1 week and 6 months was completed by a plastic surgeon and general dermatologist. RESULTS A total of 105 patients were entered into the trial, and 101 completed all time point assessments. There was no statistically significant difference in scar outcome using each of the 3 scar assessment scales, at any time point, for any assessor (blinded and nonblinded). CONCLUSIONS Interrupted and continuous 5-0 nylon sutures result in an equivalent final cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars. Given its advantages, running sutures may be the preferred closure technique for facial repair.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008046 Lip Either of the two fleshy, full-blooded margins of the mouth. Philtrum,Lips,Philtrums
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009666 Nose A part of the upper respiratory tract. It contains the organ of SMELL. The term includes the external nose, the nasal cavity, and the PARANASAL SINUSES. External Nose,External Noses,Nose, External,Noses,Noses, External
D010781 Photography Method of making images on a sensitized surface by exposure to light or other radiant energy. Photographies
D011446 Prospective Studies Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group. Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D002610 Cheek The part of the face that is below the eye and to the side of the nose and mouth. Bucca,Buccas,Cheeks
D002921 Cicatrix The fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue during the process of WOUND HEALING. Scars,Cicatrization,Scar,Scarring
D005153 Facial Neoplasms New abnormal growth of tissue in the FACE. Facial Neoplasm,Neoplasm, Facial,Neoplasms, Facial
D005260 Female Females

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