The effect of a new tissue-adhesive wound dressing on the healing of traumatic abrasions.

BACKGROUND: Octylcyanoacrylate is a new medical-grade adhesive with antimicrobial properties. It forms a thin, flexible, occlusive bandage. OBJECTIVE: To determine the gross and histological effects of the spray bandage when treating abrasions. METHODS: Abrasions were produced on the flanks of 18 albino guinea pigs and randomized to treatment with a control (Biobrane) or octylcyanoacrylate dressing. The wounds were assessed with digital photography using a previously validated method. Histopathological analysis was done on day 14. RESULTS: There were no differences in the mean wound-healing ratios on days 1 (1.25 vs. 1.23, p = 0.61), 7 (1.15 vs. 1.13, p = 0. 14) and 14 (1.03 vs. 1.02, p = 0.63) for tissue adhesive and Biobrane, respectively. There were no differences found on histopathological analysis either. CONCLUSIONS: This external spray bandage was well tolerated and did not show any signs of histotoxicity or adverse wound healing.