Evaluation of photochemical tissue bonding for closure of skin incisions and excisions

Background and Objectives Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) is a new non‐thermal technique for tissue repair involving application of a photochemically active dye and irradiation with visible light. The objective was to compare PTB with standard sutures and the tissue adhesive, octyl cyanoacrylate, for closure of skin incisions and excisions. Study Design/Materials and Methods Incisions and excisions made on the flanks of a Hanford mini‐pig were secured with subcutaneous sutures. Superficial closure methods were 3–0 monofilament sutures, PTB (Rose Bengal and green light), tissue adhesive and the combination of tissue adhesive then PTB. Wounds were evaluated 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively for cosmetic outcomes and histology. Results Cosmetic outcomes and histological scar width of incisions and excisions did not differ among the treatment groups at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Conclusion PTB is as effective as standard sutures for wound closure in porcine skin in terms of cosmetic outcomes and safety. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.