Cosmetic Outcomes of Absorbable Versus Non-absorbable Sutures in Pediatric Facial Lacerations

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Our research hypothesis in this study is that there is no difference in long-term cosmetic outcomes between absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures in the repair of pediatric facial lacerations.

Detailed Description
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The standard method of repair for facial lacerations is to close such wounds with non-absorbable sutures. Recently, topical skin adhesives such as n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate have been used more frequently as these have been shown to be a faster and less painful way to close superficial facial lacerations. However, lacerations that are deeper, gaping or occurring along lines of excessive tension, such as the chin, still need sutures for repair. Non-absorbable sutures have to be taken out at 4-7 days. This involves another physician visit, parental absence from work, and children who need to be taken out of school or daycare for a simple suture removal. In Part Iof the study, we were able to demonstrate non-inferiority of absorbable sutures to nylon sutures. However, we purposely removed all remaining absorbable sutures on the 5-7 day follow-up visit. In Part II, we will allow the absorbable sutures to dissolve on their own. We will again assess long term cosmetic outcomes, as well parental satisfaction, and short and long-term complication rates at 3 months.

Official Title
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Cosmetic Outcomes of Absorbable Versus Non-absorbable Sutures in Pediatric Facial Lacerations, Part 2

Conditions
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Lacerations, Wounds

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Arm 2: Absorbable sutures
* Other: Arm 1: non-absorbable sutures


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Clean. minimally contaminated facial lacerations, between 1-5 cms long, less than 8 hours old, not caused by animal bites, not needing plastic surgery repair Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy Bleeding Renal Endocrine problems Dirty wounds Irregular wounds

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 1 Year
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Arm1: Non-absorbable sutures<br>use of non-absorbable sutures in facial laceration in this arm | Other: Arm 1: non-absorbable sutures<br>* Use of non-absorbing sutures<br>|
| Active Comparator: Arm 2: Absorbable sutures<br>use of absorbable sutures in this arm | Other: Arm 2: Absorbable sutures<br>* use of absorbable catgut sutures in pediatric facial lacerations<br>* Other names: fast-absorbing catgut 5-0 by Johnson and Johnson;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| cosmetic outcomes |  | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| infection |  | 4-6 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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laceration, wound management, absorbable sutures, cosmetic outcomes