1. Randomised controlled trial of resorbable versus non-resorbable sutures for lacerations of the face (TORN Face).
- Author
-
Basyuni S, Ferro A, Jenkyn I, Nugent G, Bennani M, Bennett H, Chu J, Davies M, Hjalmarsson C, Moorhouse K, Bosley R, Mehdizadeh R, Pancharatnam N, Cameron M, Man CB, Moar K, Thompson M, Fowell C, and Santhanam V
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Male, Adult, Single-Blind Method, Middle Aged, Patient Satisfaction, Treatment Outcome, Suture Techniques, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Aged, Absorbable Implants, Lacerations surgery, Facial Injuries surgery, Sutures
- Abstract
Facial lacerations are commonly encountered in emergency departments and require effective management to optimise aesthetic outcomes. Non-resorbable sutures are traditionally favoured for their tensile strength and minimal inflammatory response, despite the inconvenience of the required follow up for removal. This single-centre, single-blinded randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of resorbable (Vicryl Rapide) versus non-resorbable (Ethilon) sutures for the closure of facial lacerations in adults. Between November 2021 and February 2023, 200 adult patients presenting with facial lacerations were randomly allocated to either resorbable or non-resorbable sutures. Outcomes assessed included aesthetic results via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Hamilton Scar Scale, patient-reported satisfaction using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ), complication rates, and cost analysis. No significant differences were found in mean VAS scores between the two groups in both modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The majority of patients reported high satisfaction levels. Early complication rates were significantly higher in the non-resorbable group at the one-week follow up, with no long-term differences noted. Preliminary cost analysis indicated a more than five-fold cost saving with resorbable sutures. Resorbable sutures provide a viable and cost-effective alternative to non-resorbable sutures for adult facial lacerations, with comparable aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Their use could reduce healthcare burdens by eliminating the need for follow-up suture removal, supporting broader adoption in clinical practice., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF