Evaluation of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive for Second Intention Healing Following Dermatologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Second intention healing is a frequent choice after dermatologic surgery, but prolonged wound care and daily dressings can pose practical challenges for patients. Tissue adhesives offer a low-maintenance alternative; however, their role in second intention healing remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of n-butyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive on second intention healing compared with the standard of care using petroleum-based dressings.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 47 patients with postoperative wounds of the hands, feet, or genital region after Mohs micrographic surgery or excision received standard of care (n = 22) or tissue adhesive (n = 25). At 2 weeks postoperation, the tissue adhesive group was rerandomized to receive standard of care (n = 13) or tissue adhesive (n = 12). All patients received standard of care for the remainder of the study. Re-epithelialization, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were recorded at the 2-, 4-, and 12-week postoperative follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Re-epithelialization, postoperative complication rates, and patient satisfaction scores were comparable among groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Tissue adhesive is a viable alternative to the standard of care for second intention healing, simplifying postoperative management without compromising healing outcomes or patient satisfaction.