ABSTRACT
2-Octylcyanoacrylate(Dermabond(R)) has an eight-carbon alkyl derivatives that is less inflammative with stronger adhesive property than its short chain derivatives (ie. 2-ethylcyanoacrylate, 2-butylcyanoacrylate).1 To assess the effectiveness of the tissue adhesiveness of 2-octylcyanoacrylate with dermal suture for the closure of head and neck incision wound, 20 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at Asan Medical Center were studied. Ten patients underwent skin closure with paper adhesive and the other 10 with the new tissue adhesive, 2-octylcyanoacrylate. At the time of 2 weeks and 3 months respectively, the incisions were evaluated by authors. Photographs of the incisions were rated using a visual analogue scale by 2 plastic surgeons who had no idea of the method of skin closure. The length of time required for skin repair was increased(161 seconds 2-octylcyanoacrylate vs 65 seconds paper adhesive), and the incision closed with tissue adhesive had similar cosmetic scores(84mm 2-ocylcyanacrylate vs 82.5mm paper adhesive). But the satisfaction of patient was higher in 2-octylcyanoacrylate group. The practical advantages of tissue adhesives are easy application, convenience of taking early showers and no need of suture removal. In conclusion, 2-octylcyanoacrylate is found to be an effective method of skin closure in clean head and neck incisions.