Comparison of Scar Quality using Polyglactin and Polyamide Suture Materials for Closure of Nasolabial Flap Donor Site Defects in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Research Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Scar formation is an unavoidable sequelae of any surgical procedure. The goal is to produce fine scars with the least complications. Literature mentions various surgical factors that may lead to better quality of scars, one of which is the type of suture material used. Few studies exist in the literature that have compared the quality of scars after placement of polyglactin and polyamide sutures. Additionally, no studies have been done to compare the quality of scars following reconstruction with nasolabial flaps in patients with oral submucous fibrosis. Need for the study: This study will help evaluate and establish the healing outcomes in nasolabial flaps in the form of scars after placing subcutaneous 4-0 polyglactin (VICRYL™ ETHICON) and 4-0 polyamide (ETILONTM ETHICON) sutures. This will eventually lead to minimal tissue reaction and more aesthetic scars with fewer complications. Aim: To evaluate and compare the quality of scars postreconstruction with nasolabial flaps with subcutaneous polyglactin sutures and subcutaneous polyamide sutures. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomised triple-blinded trial which will be conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital (SPDCH), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, India. The trial will take place from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 15 subjects with grade C Oral and Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), who will undergo fibrotomy followed by reconstruction of bilateral nasolabial flaps, will be enrolled in the trial. Suturing of one side of the flap will be done using 4-0 polyglactin (VICRYL™ ETHICON) suture subcutaneously, and the other side will use 4-0 polyamide (Ethilon™ ETHICON) suture subcutaneously. The scar tissues will be periodically evaluated at one week, one month, and three months postoperative period to assess the healing outcomes and overall aesthetic appearance using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test.