Tissue Adhesive Versus Sutures for Skin Closure in Primary Cleft Lip Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Anuj Jain, Ankita Chandak, Abhilasha Yadav
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed cyanoacrylate adhesives versus conventional sutures for skin closure in primary cleft lip repair. Eight studies, including two randomized controlled trials, covered 442 patients; 402 contributed extractable outcome data. Esthetic outcomes did not differ significantly between closure methods (SMD -0.05, 95 % confidence interval [95% CI] [-0.28 to 0.18]; I 2 = 12%), and complication rates were comparable (RR 0.93, 95% CI [0.41-2.11]). Adhesives shortened closure by 5 to 7 min per case, while parental satisfaction was higher in adhesive groups.
Key findings
- Esthetic outcomes showed no significant difference between adhesives and sutures (SMD -0.05, 95 % confidence interval [95% CI] [-0.28 to 0.18]; I 2 = 12%).
- Complication rates were comparable (RR 0.93, 95% CI [0.41-2.11]).
- Adhesives reduced closure time by 5 to 7 min per case; parental satisfaction was uniformly higher in adhesive groups.
Why it matters
For primary cleft lip repair, the pooled evidence suggests adhesives can achieve esthetic and wound-complication outcomes similar to sutures while reducing closure time. These findings make adhesives a relevant option to consider when weighing closure methods and patient-centered outcomes, although the evidence for efficiency and satisfaction is less certain than for the principal clinical outcomes.
What to keep in mind
Only two of the eight included studies were randomized controlled trials. Evidence certainty was low for operative time and parental satisfaction; the authors call for high-quality trials with long-term follow-up.