Aesthetic Outcome of Intra-dermal Versus Transcutaneous Purse-string Closure

The purse-string closure is a versatile technique that utilizes circumferential tissue advancement for partial or complete closure of circular cutaneous surgical defects. First reported in the 1950s for closure of a malar defect, the purse-string closure is now routinely used for umbilical, urethral, and breast defects as well as for cutaneous surgical defects either alone or in conjunction with top sutures, local flaps, or grafts.

Though the purse-string closure was initially described with circumferentially placed intradermal sutures, various modifications to this technique have been published including sub-cuticular, intra-dermal, and cuticular variations. All modifications of the purse-string closure share the advantages of reduced operating time, decreased defect and scar size, no removal of normal tissue, low hematoma risk, and faster healing time. However, several papers suggest that cuticular (transcutaneous) purse-string closures may be superior to intra-dermal purse-string closures due to enhanced hemostasis from greater compression of the dermal vessels, greater utility in atrophic and actinically damaged skin, lower risk of dermal dehiscence, and better efficacy in skin with limited laxity.

In 2015, a randomized trial comparing secondary intention healing to intradermal purse-string closure found similar cosmetic outcomes, scar size and pain level between the intra-dermal purse-string closure and secondary intention healing however similar studies comparing intra-dermal and transcutaneous purse-string closures are lacking. Given the potential functional advantages of the transcutaneous purse-string closure over the intra-dermal purse-string closure, additional studies comparing the two variations of the purse-string closure are needed to guide clinical practice.

The aesthetic outcome and rate of post-operative complications of intra-dermal versus transcutaneous purse-string closures have not been studied. This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous purse-string sutures to intra-dermal purse-string sutures by using individuals as their own controls in a split-scar model.

• Intra-dermal purse-string closure (Procedure): Sutures are placed below the skin surface around a circular surgical wound, and the ends are cinched together like a coin purse.
• Transcutaneous purse-string closure (Procedure): Sutures are placed through the skin surface around a circular surgical wound, and cinched together like a coin purse.

Primary outcomes

• Observer Scar Assessment as measured by Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS) [3 months]: The primary endpoint will be the score of two blinded reviewers independently using the POSAS assessment. The observer scale of the POSAS consists of six items (vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area). All items are scored on a scale ranging from 1 ("like normal skin") to 10 ("worst scar imaginable"). The sum of the six items results in a total score of the POSAS observer scale. Furthermore, an overall opinion is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. All parameters should preferably be compared to normal skin on a comparable anatomic location.

Secondary outcomes

• Patient Scar Assessment as measured by Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS) [3 months]: This is the patient portion of the POSAS assessment, which will be independently recorded. The patient scale of the POSAS consists of six items (pain, itch, thickness, color, stiffness, and irregularity). All items are scored on a scale ranging from 1 ("as normal skin") to 10 ("yes, very different"). The sum of the six items results in a total score of the POSAS patient scale. Furthermore, an overall opinion is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 10.
• Width of Scar as measured using Trace-to-Tape Method [3 months]: The trace-to-tape method is an objective measure for linear postoperative scars. The mean scar width will be determined using the trace-to-tape method. The surface area of the scar will be collected by tracing the scar with a water-based gel pen. While still wet, the gel residue will be lifted from the skin with clear packing tape and transferred on a sheet of paper.
• Complications or Adverse Events from Treatment [3 months]: For example, if one half of the scar has more associated erythema, as measured using the Trace-to-Tape method, then it will be recorded. Other complications from the treatment will also be recorded.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Able to give informed consent themselves
* Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head, neck, trunk, or extremities with predicted purse-string closure.
* Willing to return for follow up visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incarceration
* Under 18 years of age
* Pregnant Women

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• Scholl L, Meier NM, Hessam S, Valavanis K, Bechara FG. Subcuticular and cuticular purse-string sutures in dermatologic surgery. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2016 Feb;14(2):196-8. doi: 10.1111/ddg.12896. Epub 2016 Jan 20. No abstract available. PMID 26788857
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• Daniel Eisen, MD, Principal investigator, University of California, Davis - Dermatology