Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures? A prospective, randomised evaluation of aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing elective day-case hand and wrist surgery

Abstract

INTRODUCTION We prospectively evaluated aesthetic outcomes in a group of randomised patients who underwent elective day-case hand and wrist surgery using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort of 100 adult patients were randomised using sealed envelopes to receive either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures for their wound closure. Clinical review was carried out at 6 weeks. A postal questionnaire was sent to all patients 3 months following surgery comprising a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wound satisfaction, a validated 6-point patient scar assessment tool and the shortened version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH). RESULTS From the postal questionnaire, 70 responses were received. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS, patient scar assessment tool and quick DASH. CONCLUSIONS For elective day-case hand and wrist surgery, either suture material can be used confidently with respect to overall aesthetic appearance in such patients.