Patient satisfaction with a tissue adhesive in preauricular fistulectomy

Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of Dermabond® (octyl-2-cyanoacrylate) tissue adhesive, and to provide advice on its use for patients undergoing preauricular fistulectomy. Study design. A retrospective, IRB-approved, case-control study. Methods. This study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent preauricular fistulectomy by one otologist at a single institution. Patient satisfaction was assessed by a questionnaire and the cosmetic result was assessed using the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES). Results. There were 2 cases of wound dehiscence; a stitch abscess was noted in 2 patients. Aesthetically, scar appearance was considered very good. Among 33 patients who expressed an opinion postoperatively regarding the use of the tissue adhesive for skin closure, the degree of satisfaction was considerably high because patients were able to wash their face and bathe/shower (28 patients) soon after the procedure, followed by the lack of any dressing or wound care (21 patients), and the lack of skin sutures (19 patients). Conclusion. The tissue adhesive offered equivalent wound closure as traditional suture for preauricular fistulectomy. Tissue adhesive is a safe method for closing wounds in preauricular fistulectomy and has many advantages, especially in young children and young women.