Scalp Closures With Pulley Sutures Reduce Time and Cost Compared to Traditional Layered Technique-A Prospective, Randomized, Observer-Blinded Study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2016

Publication Title

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of postsurgical scalp defects can be difficult and time-consuming using a conventional bilayered technique. A specialized closure using a pulley suture can assist in closing wounds under high tension and can decrease time and cost for the surgeon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if closing scalp defects with a single-layered closure using pulley sutures would result in decreased time but equivalent scar cosmesis compared to bilayered closures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with postsurgical scalp defects were randomized to a bilayered or a pulley group, and time was measured for each closure. Scar appearance was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postsurgery. Before and after photographs were also assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the visual analog scale.

RESULTS: Compared to a bilayered closure, the pulley technique resulted in significantly reduced closure time (p < .001). Even though patient overall scores at 2 weeks and observer total score at 6 months were superior in the pulley group, the visual analog scale scores were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION: Scalp reconstructions using a single layer of pulley sutures result in time and cost reduction and similar scar appearance compared to bilayered closures.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mohs Surgery; Prospective Studies; Scalp; Skin Neoplasms; Suture Techniques; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wound Closure Techniques

PubMed ID

27598452

Volume

42

Issue

11

First Page

1248

Last Page

1255

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