Polyurethane Dressing Assisted Epidermal Suturing Minimizes Postoperative Wound Care
July 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 7 | Case Reports | 675 | Copyright © July 2008
Colin A. Ruff MD, Justin J. Vujevich MD, Leonard H. Goldberg MD FRCP
Abstract
An exact vertical approximation of epidermal edges during wound suturing allows rapid reepithelialization of the sutured
wound and may reduce scar formation. Over 20 patients have been treated with a unique suturing technique for woundedge
approximation using a sterile polyurethane adhesive dressing as an epidermal scaffolding, Some of these procedures
and results were documented using intraoperative and postoperative photos to help evaluate potential benefits to wound
healing. The polyurethane dressing acts as a barrier to microbes, water, and irritants. Postoperative wound care was found
to be cost-effective and virtually maintenance-free, as the wound does not require daily dressing changes. The patients
treated with this technique demonstrated well-approximated wound edges and excellent cosmesis. The authors have not
found cases of contact dermatitis or wound infection as a result of treatment using this suturing technique.