CLINICAL COMPARISON OF SURGICAL WOUNDS CLOSED BY SUTURE AND ADHESIVE TAPES

Provided the surgeon has closed the subcutaneous dead spaces and secured hemostasis, tape closure of the skin yields advantages over suture closure. By avoiding percutaneous needle tracks, one avoids the risk of suture canal scarring, infection, actual wound infection, and separation. This difference in wound complications is most pronounced in clean-contaminated wounds. The problems in application of this method to wound closure are analyzed and solutions offered. Tape is indicated in the cutaneous closure of all clean-contaminated wounds except those which are mechanically inaccessible or those with profuse drainage. © 1969.