Purpose: Compare two closures for linear incisions: subcuticular suture (SCS) versus coaptive film (SteriStrip-S = SSS). Methods: Study design: Incisions were randomly assigned to SCS or SSS. Main outcome measures were time taken to closure and patient comfort. Closure time was recorded intraoperatively in minutes and seconds. Patient self-assessment of comfort was assessed, at 7-12 days postoperatively using a 10 cm VAS. Patient Sample: Patients undergoing bilateral Wise pattern breast reduction (BBR) or an abdominal procedure, TRAM or abdominoplasty (ABD), were eligible for participation. From February 2006 until December 2006 13 patients consented to participate, enrolled and completed the comfort survey. Statistical Analysis: Student T-tests were used to compare the main outcome measures. Results: Time: Thirty eight incisions segments were closed by SCS and 33 incisions by SSS. Mean time for closure was 5:59 min (sd = 3:01) and 2:28 (sd = 1:53) respectively. This difference was statistically significant, p<0.001. Patient Comfort: The mean comfort scores for SCS and SSS were 6.7 (sd = 2.0) and 6.8 (sd = 2.6) out of 10 on the VAS. This difference was not statistically significant, p = 0.918. Conclusions: SSS permits faster wound closure than SCS and patients find both approaches equally comfortable.
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