Adhesive Strips Versus Subcuticular Suture for Mediansternotomy Wound Closure

Background and Aim: This prospective randomized study was undertaken to compare the use of the 3M(TM) Steri-Strip(TM) S Surgical Skin closure system with a running absorbable subcuticular suture technique for skin closure following a mediansternotomy for cardiac surgical procedures. Methods: Thirty-six patients undergoing a mediansternotomy for a cardiac surgical procedure were prospectively randomized to either Steri-Strip S or subcuticular suture for wound closure. The wounds were evaluated on postoperative days 7 and 21 for erythema, edema, pain, cosmesis, and the time taken to close the incision. Results: Skin closure with Steri-Strip S was faster (5.33 +/- 1.32 minutes steri-strips vs. 6.07 +/- 0.91 sutures; p = 0.06) and resulted in significantly less erythema and edema, but no difference in pain or cosmesis after seven days. Following 21 days, there was no difference in pain, edema, or cosmesis between the groups. However, patients receiving steri-strips continue to have less erythema. Conclusions: Both Steri-Strip S and absorbable sutures are effective techniques for skin closure following a mediansternotomy incision for cardiac surgical procedures. Steri-Strip S can decrease the amount of erythema, but results in no significant difference in pain, cosmesis, or edema compared to the traditional subcuticular wound closure technique. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2011.01257.x (J Card Surg 2011; 26: 344-347)