Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t8hqh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T15:48:00.714Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A prospective randomized trial of suture material in aural wound closure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

D. J. Willatt*
Affiliation:
Liverpool
L. Durham
Affiliation:
Liverpool
M. F. Ramadan
Affiliation:
Liverpool
N. Bark-Jones
Affiliation:
Liverpool
*
D. J. Willatt, University Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescot St., Liverpool L69 3BX

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare synthetic monofilament suture materials with chromic catgut and silk in aural wound closure. Forty patients undergoing mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty were randomized to closure with either 30 PDS (Polydioxanone) to fascia plus 30 Prolene to skin, or 20 chromic catgut to fascia plus 30 silk to skin. Known or suspected factors affecting wound healing were recorded. Nine patients had post-operative wound infections. The infection rate was significantly lower in wounds closed with PDS and Prolene (χ2 = 6.05, p<.05), and in tympanoplasty operations (χ2 = 4.42, p<.05). Four patients suffered wound dehiscence, all four had been closed with catgut and silk. No other complication of wound healing was noted in the trial. In conclusion, PDS and Prolene are superior suture materials to catgut and silk in the closure of aural wounds.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1988

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Capperauld, I. and Bucknall, T. E. (1984) In Wound Healing for Surgeons (Bucknall, T. E. and Ellis, H., eds.), pp. 7593, Bailliere Tindall, Eastbourne, Sussex.Google Scholar
Gilmore, O. J. A. (1981) In Current Surgical Practice Volume 3 (Hadfield, J. and Hobsley, M., eds.), pp. 95108. Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd., London.Google Scholar
Irvin, T. T. (1981) Wound Healing Principles and Practice, 1st edn.. Chapman and Hall Ltd., London221 pp.Google Scholar