A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TISSUE GLUE WITH SUTURES FOR WOUND CLOSURE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tissue glue is newer, safer alternative to sutures. To date, tissue glue was familiar amongst the urban population, in this study, we have introduced the tissue glue to the rural farming population in North Andhra Pradesh. Studies have proved benets of tissue glue are decreased procedure time and less pain compared to sutures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare tissue glue with sutures for skin closure in wounds for the following characters in the farming communities of North Andhra to compare cost-effectiveness, pain, and cosmetic outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients attending ANH casualty and surgery OPD from October 2020 to August 2021 with traumatic wounds were included in the study. RESULTS: 24 (96%) cases are cosmetically good in cases in which tissue glue was applied and 1(4%) in which suturing was done (p-value= < 0.05). 1(4% p< 0.05) case had pain with glue application and 25(100%) cases had pain post suturing(p-value=0.000). 15(60%) cases readily affordable for glue whereas 20(80%) cases chose suturing (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tissue glue applications have been preferred more among children compared to adults, probably due to lesser pain. The cosmetic outcome is very good with tissue glue with minimal scar compared to sutures. Pain with tissue glue is less before and after the procedure as there was no local anesthesia and no bites were taken. Tissue glue was costly compared with sutures which some patients couldn't afford. There is no need to revisit for tissue glue, unlike sutures where the patient has to come for removal