Oral Incisions Closure

Each year, millions of superficial wounds and minor surgical incisions require primary closure by surgeons and primary care practitioners. Sutures are still the most common method of closure of such wounds. However, suturing is time consuming and uncomfortable for the patient. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are the current alternatives for sutures, offering advantages of being painless, less time-consuming and less traumatic to the tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological aspects of healing in oral incisions closed with silk sutures compared to those closed with Epiglu adhesive. It also aimed to compare time and cost required for each of those two procedure respectively. Results of this study revealed that the use of Epiglu surgical adhesive is convenient for closure of oral incisions, as it can significantly enhance wound epithelialization and decrease the inflammatory phase of healing when compared to conventional silk suture. Besides, the total adhesive cost was almost similar to that of suture, with the bonus of being easier to apply and more time saving. This would definitely have a positive economic impact on both the patient and the health care provider.

M.Sc. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Assistant Lecturer & Head of Dental Implant Unit in Dept. of Oral Surgery/ Mosul Dental College. Mohammed K. Hasouni: F.D.S.R.C.S., Royal College of Surgeons & Physicians, Glasgow. Head of Mosul Centre of Iraqi Board for Medical Specialization in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Lecturer in Mosul Dental College.