Can we use superglues for superfi cial lacerations?

Objectives: To compare the histopathological and cosmetic outcomes of ethyl-cyanoacrylate to n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in rats using an incision wound model. Methods: Two longitudinal incisions were made on the dorsal region of the back of 18 Wistar rats after ketamine anesthesia. Rats were divided into three groups of six: the incisions were closed either using medical tissue adhesive or superglue or were left for secondary wound healing. In each group, three rats were randomly euthanized on the 7th day. The rest were euthanized on the 21st day of the procedure. Tissue samples taken on days 7 and 21 were Histopathologically evaluated blindly by a histologist. The cosmetic appearance was evaluated by a plastic surgeon blinded to the method of closure using a visual analog scale. Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed impaired epithelialization, infl ammation, fi brosis, and dehiscence on connective tissue, and foreign substance reactions were worse in the ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate group when compared with the other groups. A statistically signifi cant diff erence was not found among groups regarding the cosmetic outcome. Conclusions: Cyanoacrylate glues produced for commercial purposes should not be used for the repair of skin lacerations due to their worse histopathological results of epithelialization, infl ammation, fi brosis, dehiscence on connective tissue, and foreign substance reaction. Keywords: Lacerations, Wound closure techniques, Tissue adhesives, Cyanoacrylates, Wound healing.