Steri-strip TM versus subcuticular skin closure of paediatric groin wounds: A randomised study.

Background: A technique that offers the best chance of an optimal result is most appropriate to be employed for wound closure.
Aims: We set out to compare the cosmetic outcome, and wound complication rates associated with clean paediatric groin wounds closed using Steri-Strip™ or subcuticular suturing.
Settings and Design: A prospective randomised study.
Subjects and Methods: Children of African descent with unilateral and bilateral clean groin wounds were randomised into subcuticular suture skin closure and Steri-Strip™ groups and followed up postoperatively. Cosmetic assessment and outcome were scored based on parents' satisfaction using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and a single Plastic Surgeon assessed pictures of the scars using the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES). Statistical analysis was used SPSS version 18.
Results: Seventy-five wounds were assessed, (n = 35, Steri-Strips™) and (n = 40, suturing). Closure with Steri-Strips resulted in scars with comparable cosmesis as those with subcuticular suturing. Wound complications were also similar. There was no statistically significant difference between mean VAS scores on the 5 ^th day (P = 0.320), 2 ^nd week (P = 0.080), 4 ^th week (P = 0.070) and 8 ^th week (P = 0.080). The HWES scores were also comparable at those times.
Conclusions: We conclude that skin closure of clean paediatric groin wounds with SteriStrips™ gives comparative cosmetic outcomes with subcuticular suturing.
Competing Interests: None