Comparison of Subcuticular and Interrupted Suturing Methods for Skin Closure After Appendectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Confirmed evidences on superiority of subcuticular suturing compared to interrupted suturing method, in terms of postoperative complications such as wound infection, size of scar, or abscess formation is few. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare absorbable subcuticular suturing supported with Steri-Strips™ to interrupted nonabsorbable suturing method after appendectomy. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, seventy patients with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis at Besat hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran in the year 2016 were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned into two groups. In the case group (n = 35), the wound suturing was done using subcuticular suturing supported by Steri-Strips™ and in the control group (n = 35), suturing was performed using interrupted mattress suture. All patients were visited at postoperative day one, seven, thirty and ninety. Results: The width of the scar and the mean of severity of pain score at postoperative day seven in the case group were significantly shorter and lower than the control group (1.05 ± 0.66 vs. 3.62 ± 1.77 mm, P < 0.001 and 0.86 ± 0.81 vs. 1.40 ± 0.85, P = 0.008, respectively). More significant number of patients in the case group were satisfied with their wound healing and scar status compared to the control group (91.42% vs. 71.42%, respectively, P = 0.032). Conclusions: Skin closure using absorbable subcuticular suturing supported by Steri-Strips™ method in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis may be safe and feasible and may result in higher levels of patient satisfaction.