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Kar, A.L. van de; Koolbergen, D.R.; Avendonk, J.P.H. van; Horst, C.M.A.M. van der (2019)

Comparison of wound closure techniques in median sternotomy scars in children: subcuticular suture versus Steri-Strip (TM) S

Article / Letter to editor
Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare subcuticular sutures and Steri-Strip (TM) S in closing median sternotomy incisions in children with regard to wound healing and scar formation. Methods: Fifty-three children and adolescents were enrolled in this study who all underwent a median sternotomy at age 0-18 years and had their presternal cutaneous wounds closed with either a running subcuticular suture (Group 1) or Steri-Strip (TM) S (Group 2). Their scars were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Secondary outcome measures were the scar measurements and the incidence of wound problems post-surgery. Results: A significant difference was found between both groups in median POSAS observer scale scores for the items thickness (p = .027), pliability (p = .045), surface area (p = .045) and the total score (p = .048). All in favor of the subcuticular suture group. There were no significant differences concerning the POSAS patient...Show moreObjectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare subcuticular sutures and Steri-Strip (TM) S in closing median sternotomy incisions in children with regard to wound healing and scar formation. Methods: Fifty-three children and adolescents were enrolled in this study who all underwent a median sternotomy at age 0-18 years and had their presternal cutaneous wounds closed with either a running subcuticular suture (Group 1) or Steri-Strip (TM) S (Group 2). Their scars were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Secondary outcome measures were the scar measurements and the incidence of wound problems post-surgery. Results: A significant difference was found between both groups in median POSAS observer scale scores for the items thickness (p = .027), pliability (p = .045), surface area (p = .045) and the total score (p = .048). All in favor of the subcuticular suture group. There were no significant differences concerning the POSAS patient scale scores. Middle parts of scars of patients in Group 2 were significantly broader (p = .001) than scars of patients in Group 1. No significant differences concerning wound problems were found. Conclusions: There are, according to our results, no significant differences in wound healing of median sternotomy incisions in children closed with either a subcuticular suture or Steri-Strip (TM) S. Significant differences do exist regarding scar formation and final cosmetic results of the scars, in favor of subcuticular closure.Show less
Sternotomy
surgical tape
sutures
wound closure techniques
child
adolescent
All authors
Kar, A.L. van de; Koolbergen, D.R.; Avendonk, J.P.H. van; Horst, C.M.A.M. van der
Date
2019-05-04
Journal
Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery
Volume
53
Issue
3
Pages
161 - 166
DOI
doi:10.1080/2000656X.2019.1566737