Abstract
Background
Dermatologic surgeons are trained in fundamental wound closure techniques that minimize wound tension and tissue ischemia to optimize healing and create discrete scars. These include orienting excisions along resting skin tension lines, handling tissue edges with care, and avoiding strangulation while tying suture. Another variable that may affect wound healing and cosmetic outcomes is the spacing between sutures.
Objective
This prospective, single-centre, randomized, split-scar comparison trial was designed to explore how suture spacing distance affects wound complication rate and scar cosmesis.
Methods
Elliptical surgical wounds of the trunk and extremities were repaired with simple interrupted sutures with varying suture spacing. One half of each wound was repaired with high-density suture spacing (approximately 5 mm apart) and the other with low-density suture spacing (approximately 10 mm apart). Wounds were evaluated at 2-week suture removal for complications, and then reevaluated at 3 and 6 months for cosmesis using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score.
Results
Results revealed no significant difference in minor wound complications during the early healing process between high- and low-density suture spacing. At 3 months postoperatively, physicians and patients alike preferred the aesthetics of the low-density suture placement. By 6 months postoperatively, this preference disappeared.
Conclusions
These results suggest that suture spacing may affect early scar formation. Additionally, placing sutures farther apart results in fewer total puncture wounds, decreases tissue trauma, and saves surgical time while conserving suture material. Therefore, dermatologic surgeons should consider placing fewer percutaneous sutures during wound repair.
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