A randomized controlled trial comparing liquid skin adhesives and staplers for surgical wound management
10.4174/astr.2025.108.3.143
- Author:
Hyeon Woo BAE
1
;
Seung Yoon YANG
;
Ga Yoon KU
;
Sohye LEE
;
Eun-Joo JUNG
;
Seulkee PARK
;
Yoon Bin JUNG
;
Jihong KIM
;
Byung Soh MIN
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2025;108(3):143-149
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Despite the widespread use of liquid skin adhesives (LSA), concerns persist regarding the increase in wound care costs. This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of LSA for surgical wound management.
Methods:In this prospective, open-label, single-center randomized controlled trial, adults aged 19 years and older who were scheduled for elective minimally invasive colorectal surgeries were included. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an n-butyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive was used in the experimental group (LSA group), while a surgical skin stapler was employed in the control group (stapler group). The primary outcome measure was the sum of the total time required for wound management.
Results:A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 29 patients in each group. The findings revealed comparable wound complication rates in the 2 groups (8 out of 29 in the LSA group vs. 5 out of 29 in the stapler group, P = 0.530). Notably, the LSA group had a significantly shorter wound management time (median 235 seconds vs. 1,201 seconds, P < 0.001) and similar wound management cost (median US dollar [USD] 50.6 vs. USD 54.6, P = 0.529) compared to the stapler group. Subgroup analysis showed that the LSA group had a shorter management time for uncomplicated wounds and a lower cost for complicated wounds.
Conclusion:LSA not only provides a safe alternative but also offers a resource-efficient option for wound management compared to staplers.
