Decrease in Skin‐closing Tension Intraoperatively with Suture Tension Adjustment Reel, Balloon Expansion, and Undermining

Abstract

Our data showed that all three techniques were effective in lowering the tension required to approximate surgically created defects, with the S.T.A.R. device proving to be most effective. Undermining and the S.T.A.R. device also worked synergistically to decrease skin-closing tension.

Undermining in Cutaneous Surgery

“…11 In the adult pig model, undermining was the most immediately effective means for reducing closing tension, resulting in an average total decrease in skin tension of 17.8%. 12 Undermining showed synergy with a skin stretching device but ultimately was not superior to six cycles of intraoperative expansion with either balloon or skin-stretching devices alone in direct comparison. 12 Complications were not reported in the live animal model studies.…”

“…12 Undermining showed synergy with a skin stretching device but ultimately was not superior to six cycles of intraoperative expansion with either balloon or skin-stretching devices alone in direct comparison. 12 Complications were not reported in the live animal model studies. 9,11,12 For the majority of routine cutaneous excisions, undermining remains the most expedient and practical means to reduce wound edge closing tension.…”

“…12 Complications were not reported in the live animal model studies. 9,11,12 For the majority of routine cutaneous excisions, undermining remains the most expedient and practical means to reduce wound edge closing tension.…”

Undermining in Cutaneous Surgery

“…In the adult pig model, undermining was the most immediately effective means for reducing closing tension, resulting in an average total decrease in skin tension of 17.8% 12 . Undermining showed synergy with a skin stretching device but ultimately was not superior to six cycles of intraoperative expansion with either balloon or skin‐stretching devices alone in direct comparison 12 . Complications were not reported in the live animal model studies 9,11,12 .…”

“…Undermining showed synergy with a skin stretching device but ultimately was not superior to six cycles of intraoperative expansion with either balloon or skin‐stretching devices alone in direct comparison 12 . Complications were not reported in the live animal model studies 9,11,12 . For the majority of routine cutaneous excisions, undermining remains the most expedient and practical means to reduce wound edge closing tension.…”