Outcomes of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesives following musculoskeletal oncology surgery

Abstract

2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2OCA) is a high-viscosity medical-grade tissue adhesive that is routinely used. However, no studies have evaluated its use in musculoskeletal surgery. We enrolled 99 patients who underwent musculoskeletal surgery. 2OCA was chosen for wound closure and was performed by a specific surgeon for all patients. The drying times for the adhesive were recorded, and photographs were obtained intra-operatively. Posttreatment follow-up consisted of queries regarding pain level and recording incisional dehiscence, wound infection, hematoma, and incisional bleeding. Data collection was performed postoperatively at 48 hours, 5 to 10 days, 14 days, and 30 days. Other adverse events were documented. 2OCA was applied to 110 incisions in 99 patients, comprising 62 female and 37 male patients. The mean age of patients was 50.41 (±16.83) years; mean incision length was 10.24 (±5.7) cm, and the mean pain score using a visual analogue scale was 2.37 on a postoperative day 7. The mean drying time was 1.81 (±0.59) minutes; 91 (91%) patients reported excellent and superior satisfaction, and the remaining patients reported “good” (6%) and “fair” (2%) satisfaction. The percentages of dehiscence, hematoma and keloid formation were considerably low. In this study, 2OCA was safe for musculoskeletal oncology surgical incisions. The incidence of postoperative adverse events was low. However, some patients develop hematomas. Postoperative pain was low, and patient satisfaction was high. 2OCA can be a practical alternative to traditional suture closure for skin incisions after musculoskeletal surgery.