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A case report has found that intradermal running sutures for superficial repair after excisions are a feasible means of optimizing cosmetic outcomes. The findings from the report were published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology.
In the report, a total of 2 cases were included and commented on by physicians from New York University. Each report included a patient who had to undergo an excision for skin cancer treatment.
The first case study included a 73-year-old man who was scheduled to undergo Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the right temple. A layered linear closure with 5-0 Monocryl interrupted deep sutures as well as 5-0 Monocryl intradermal sutures was used to repair a defect that extended to the fascia. The wound was 3.1 cm at final measurement. Dissolvable sutures were used, negating the need for removal.
A 33-year-old woman with a malignant melanoma on her left shin was included in the second case study. An excision with 5-mm margins resulted in a 1.6×1.4-cm defect, which extended to fascia. A layered linear closure with 3-0 polydioxanone interrupted deep sutures, and a 4-0 Prolene running intradermal suture was used to repair the defect. Sutures were left in place for 2 months until removal.
A limitation of the case report was the inclusion of only 2 patients, which may limit the generalizability of the reported results.
“By using a superficial repair method that minimizes epidermal trauma without compromising structural integrity,” the researchers wrote, “dermatologic surgeons can maximize patient satisfaction while providing excellent medical care.”
Reference
Lin RL, Mu EW, Hale EK, et al. Use of a buried intradermal (subcutaneous) running suture for superficial repair to optimize cosmetic outcome. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):481-482.
