The effect of tissue glue on the healing of second intention wounds after dermatologic surgery

Summary: Tissue glue (TG; n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) is commonly used in dermatologic surgery for its ease of application and simplified wound care. This randomized controlled trial compares TG to standard of care (SOC; petrolatum, non-adherent dressing, and tape) for managing second-intention wounds on high-mobility areas, including the hands, feet, and genitalia. Patients were randomized into three groups: TG applied with reapplication at two weeks (TG+TG), TG applied then transitioned to SOC at two weeks (TG+SOC), or SOC alone. Wounds were evaluated at two weeks, one month, and three months for complications (infection, erythema, edema), patient-reported outcomes (drainage, bleeding, time commitment, functionality), and overall satisfaction with ease of wound care using a 10-point Likert scale. Among 22 patients (SOC=11, TG+SOC=5, TG+TG=6), satisfaction with ease of wound care was significantly higher in TG groups compared to SOC at two weeks (p=0.04), though questionnaire scores (assessing drainage, bleeding, time commitment, and functionality) did not differ significantly (p=0.21). Erythema and edema were each observed once, both in the SOC group, and no infections occurred. At one and three months, questionnaire scores and satisfaction ratings remained comparable across groups (p>0.2). Recruitment is ongoing for a final sample size of 40. These preliminary findings suggest that TG may enhance early postoperative satisfaction with wound care for second-intention healing in high-mobility areas while maintaining similar complication rates to SOC. TG may offer a convenient, patient-friendly alternative to conventional dressings, particularly in the early healing period. Luke Scherz¹, Tara Jennings¹, Shayna Rivard¹, Erika Tvedten¹, Naomi Lawrence¹ 1. Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, United States. Clinical Research: Interventional Research