Usefulness and safety of Silicone gel sheets for post-laparoscopic hypertrophic scars

Background and Objective: The number of laparoscopic surgeries being performed in Japan is increasing every year; however, few studies have investigated scarring at surgical wound sites. Silicone gel sheet application is increasingly being used to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids as a component of multidisciplinary treatment. We report effectiveness and safety of Silicone gel sheets (Lady Care 3®) for post-laparoscopic hypertrophic scars.Subjects and Methods: This study included 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between March 2017 and March 2018. In 15 patients, we applied Silicone gel sheets to the surgical wounds (umbilicus and lower abdomen) postoperatively for a period between one week and 6 months, and the remaining 15 patients were categorized as the Control group. Surgical wound assessment was performed using the Japan Scar Workshop (JSW) Scar Scale. Patient interviews and visual assessment of the wound site were performed prior to sheet application and at 3 months (post-3M) and 6 months postoperatively.Results: Compared with the pre-application score, the post-3M JSW Scar Scale score was significantly lower in the Silicone group, indicating more rapid wound healing in the Silicone group than in the Control group. Three patients in the Silicone group reported mild itching; however, continued use of sheets was possible in all patients.Conclusion: Compared with the Control group, the Silicone group showed significantly rapid and earlier postoperative improvement in their JSW Scar Scale scores. Additionally, no patient reported adverse events, suggesting that Silicone gel sheets are both safe and effective in this patient population.