Comparison of wound closure techniques in median sternotomy scars in children: subcuticular suture versus Steri-Strip™ S. Issue 3 (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van de Kar, Annekatrien L.; Koolbergen, David R.; van Avendonk, Janne P. H.; van der Horst, Chantal M. A. M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery. Volume 53:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Sternotomy -- surgical tape -- sutures -- wound closure techniques -- child -- adolescent; Surgery -- Periodicals; Hand -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1566737
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-656X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare subcuticular sutures and Steri-Strip™ 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™ 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™ S. Significant differences do exist regarding scar formation and final cosmetic results of the scars, in favor of subcuticular closure.