Advanced Healthcare: Sutures or Surgical Glue?

Different wounds require different treatments. Sutures (stitches) have traditionally been the go-to closure method and remain the best option in some cases. However, there are now alternatives that can offer significant advantages over sutures in certain circumstances.

Different wounds require different treatments. Sutures (stitches) have traditionally been the go-to closure method and remain the best option in some cases. However, there are now alternatives that can offer significant advantages over sutures in certain circumstances.

Stitches

There are times when only sutures can properly close a wound, but they do have some disadvantages. No one thinks of needles and anaesthetic as a good time and the recovery-time from sutures can take a little longer. Many doctors use dissolvable sutures to avoid the need for a return visit, but stitches require a lot of post-procedure care. They are, after all, ‘foreign objects’ as far as the body is concerned. Moreover, sutures are more likely to leave a scar.

Surgical Glue

Surgical glue such as Dermabond® is one of the most advanced wound closure methods available today. Dermabond® is an advanced bonding agent that is not only totally safe for skin but has distinct advantages over sutures in some circumstances.

Dermabond® is an adhesive used to keep skin safe, secure and sterile after surgery. It is described by the American Family Physician as a ‘cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive that forms a strong bond across wound edges, allowing normal healing to occur below.’

Dermabond is a sterile liquid that hardens almost immediately when applied to the skin, reaching maximum strength in just a few minutes. It remains that way for about a week afterwards before naturally eroding away, keeping the tissue beneath completely intact. Essentially, it’s a bridge that binds the skin together to enable natural healing to occur

Dermabond is also water-resistant so you can live more-freely than with sutures. It requires only the use of a topical anaesthetic and can be applied to most areas on the body, including the face, torso, hands, legs or feet. Use on joints such as elbows and knees is possible, but not recommended since it requires the joint to be completely immobilised during recovery.

Considering aftercare

Aftercare is more important with sutures. Stitches should only be removed under medical supervision, and the patient will need to follow their doctor’s aftercare advice very closely.

If the doctor has used Dermabond, however, patients need not be concerned with any of these possible aftercare problems. They simply don’t exist, meaning fewer risks and no follow-up needed. Wounds closed with surgical glues such as Dermabond also tend to heal better, with less scarring.

Stuck on glue?

It’s important to remember that your doctor will know whether a wound needs sutures or if Dermabond in an option. Some patients might still prefer the traditional route of sutures, but, depending on the type and location of the wound, Dermabond can be the better choice.

Simply put, Dermabond provides a more-advanced method of wound closure than traditional sutures, without the need for painful injections of local anaesthesia. Children especially seem to like the idea of gluing, while parents will appreciate avoiding the trauma of needles and suturing a little arm or leg.

Here at Doctors Express, we offer Dermabond as an option for wound closure, where it’s appropriate. Ask your doctor for more information about whether this treatment could be right for you or your family.

To find out more about the services we offer, visit ‘Our Services’ or contact us at info@doctorsexpress.ky or +1 345 745 6000.

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