Evaluation of Purse-String Closure Vs Second Intention

Intradermal Purse-String Closure Vs Second Intention Healing

To compare healing time, scar size, aesthetic outcome, and complication rates following second intention healing or purse string closure of surgical wounds on the trunk or extremities. This study, will allow surgeons to make informed decisions on whether purse string closure is superior to that of second intention healing and thus worth considering or inferior and not worth performing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years of age
• Able to give informed consent themselves
• Willing to return for follow-up visits
• Post-operative defects greater than 8 mm (in greatest diameter or length of circular or oval geometric shape) on the trunk and extremities (including the shin, hands, and feet)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mentally handicapped
• Unable to understand written and oral English
• Incarceration
• Under 18 years of age
• Unwilling to return for follow-up
• Pregnant women
• Wounds less than 8 mm in length
• Wounds on the head, neck or digits
• Patients in which primary linear closure is recommended