Adhesive Strips vs Sutures for Facial Cuts

Overseen By Jeffry Nahmias, M.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Irvine

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Pregnant, Incarcerated

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: Immediate

62 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

There are a variety of techniques utilized to close lacerations, including but not limited to, traditional sutures, staples, adhesive strips, and skin glue. While closing open wounds and preventing infection are the primary goals of laceration repair, physicians are also concerned with minimizing scar formation and providing the best cosmetic outcomes for the patient. Specifically, the skin on the face is a sensitive area where cosmetic outcome is of high importance, and several laceration repair techniques have been devised for closing facial wounds. Sutures have traditionally been used to close wounds in various types of tissue, and it is still very commonly used in the clinical setting. Adhesive strips (also known under the brand names of Steri-Strips, Curi-strips, Nichi-Strips, and Suture Strips) are another method to repair lacerations superficially. Due to their superficial application and ease of use, adhesive strips may help minimize scar formation and may result in less pain and complications for the patient when compared to conventional sutures. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether repair of small, simple facial lacerations with adhesive strips results in better patient experiences and better cosmetic outcomes than sutures. The investigators hypothesize that wounds repaired with adhesive strip will have higher patient satisfaction scores and better cosmetic outcomes.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for facial cuts using adhesive strips versus sutures?

Research shows that using adhesive strips can be as effective as sutures for closing wounds, with benefits like less pain and better cosmetic results, especially in children. Adhesive strips are also quicker to apply and remove, making them a good option for uncooperative young patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to use adhesive strips or sutures for facial cuts?

Research shows that using adhesive strips or tissue adhesives for wound repair is generally safe, with fewer infections and less pain compared to traditional sutures. These methods are approved and widely used, offering good cosmetic results and being less painful, especially in children. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

How does the treatment of facial cuts with adhesive strips differ from sutures?

The use of adhesive strips for facial cuts is unique because it often doesn't require local anesthesia or sterile instruments, making it less invasive and more comfortable, especially for children. It also tends to be cheaper and provides good cosmetic results compared to traditional sutures. ^{1 2 4 8 9}

Research Team

Jeffry Nahmias, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Irvine

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with simple facial lacerations who are seeking repair methods that could potentially offer better cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. The study does not specify any particular inclusion or exclusion criteria, suggesting it may be open to a broad demographic of patients with this condition.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an adult with a small facial cut less than 2.5 cm needing repair.

Exclusion Criteria

Incarcerated individuals

I am under 18 years old.

Pregnant females

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either adhesive strip or suture repair for facial lacerations

Immediate

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction, pain, and cosmetic outcomes after treatment

8 weeks

1 follow-up contact (phone/email)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Laceration repair with adhesive strips
• Laceration repair with sutures

Trial Overview The trial is testing the effectiveness of adhesive strips versus sutures in repairing simple facial cuts. It aims to determine which method leads to higher patient satisfaction and superior cosmetic results after healing.

Participant Groups

Group I: Suture strip repair Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this arm, patients will have their facial laceration properly cleaned and repaired with sutures of any material.

Group II: Adhesive strip repair Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this arm, patients will have their facial laceration properly cleaned and repaired with adhesive strips.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Irvine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

580

Recruited

4,943,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cosmetic Outcomes of Simple Pediatric Facial Lacerations Repaired With Skin Adhesive Compared With Skin Adhesive With Underlying Adhesive Strips: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Adhesive Strips and Dermal Sutures vs Dermal Sutures Only on Wound Closure: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2018]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A new technique of suturing using adhesive skin closure for uncooperative patients. [2022]

4. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Costs and benefits of the use of tissue adhesives in wounds in children]. [2013]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomised, controlled trial comparing a tissue adhesive (2-octylcyanoacrylate) with adhesive strips (Steristrips) for paediatric laceration repair. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tissue adhesives: a new method of wound repair. [2005]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adhesive strips as the sole method for skin closure is effective in total knee arthroplasty. [2020]

8. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of skin laceration repair by tissue adhesive in the pediatric emergency room. [2007]

9. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Complications following chin laceration reparation using tissue adhesive compared to suture in children. [2019]