A randomised, controlled trial comparing a tissue adhesive (2-octylcyanoacrylate) with adhesive strips (Steristrips) for paediatric laceration repair.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the tissue adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond) with adhesive strips, Steristrips in paediatric laceration repair.

METHOD: Children with suitable lacerations were randomly allocated for wound closure with either a tissue adhesive or adhesive strips. Thirty children were treated in each group. Linear Visual Analogue Scores were used to judge parents' and nurses' opinions of the application of each treatment. A similar scoring system was used to judge the cosmetic outcome as viewed by parents and a plastic surgeon. Complications and trial failures were noted.

RESULTS: Complete data were available for 44 of the children. Parents viewed the treatments as equally acceptable. In contrast those performing the procedure judged the tissue adhesive more difficult to apply. Scores of cosmetic outcome by both parents and the plastic surgeon showed no significant difference in the treatment method used. There were four children in the tissue adhesive group and one from the adhesive strip group in whom the wounds were unable to be closed.

CONCLUSION: Both tissue adhesives and adhesive strips are excellent "no needle" alternatives for the closure of suitable paediatric lacerations. This study suggests that the techniques are similar in efficacy, parental acceptability, and cosmetic outcome. The choice as to which is used may come down to economics and operator preference.