Use of 2-Octylcyanoacrylate(Dermabond(R)) for Repair of Pediatric Facial Lacerations

Koh, Kyung Suk; Yoon, Sang Yup; Ohk, Jae Jin

Abstract

This study is to compare a tissue adhesive, 2-octylcyanoacrylate(Dermabond(R)), with conventional wound closure techniques for pediatric facial lacerations. Twenty children presenting to Asan Medical Center Emergency Department with facial lacerations in July 2001 were enrolled into this prospective clinical trial study. These patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either 2-octylcyanoacrylate or 6-0 monofilament sutures. The two groups were similar in both clinical and demographic characteristics. Photography taken at three months after treatment were rated by two plastic surgeons blinded to the method of closure. There was no difference between the two groups for appearance scores based on a visual analog scale(60.4mm for 2-octylcyanoacrylate versus 62.9mm for 6-0 monofilament sutures). The length of time for laceration repair was decreased in the 2-octylcyanoacrylate group(3.1 minutes for 2-octylcyanoacrylate versus 9.3 minutes for 6-0 monofilament sutures, p<0.001). The parents' assessment of the pain felt by their children in the 2-octylcyanoacrylate group was less. Moreover, the use of 2-octylcyanoacrylate obviates the need for suture removal. In conclusion, the use of 2-octylcyanoacrylate for pediatric facial laceration repair in Korean is an acceptable alternative which includes many advantages to conventional suturing with a comparable cosmetic outcome.