Tensile strength of wound closure with cyanoacrylate glue

2-Octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is increasingly being used for closur e of traumatic lacerations. Data regarding the strength of incisions closed with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate are limited. We compared the strength of disrup tion of closure with glue with that of more conventional methods of wound c losure. Segments of fresh porcine skin measuring 3.5 x 10 cm were approxima ted by one of four methods: 1) 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue, 2) surgical stap les, 3) 0.5 inch Steri-Strips, and 4) interrupted 4-0 poliglecaprone 25 sut ures in a subcuticular fashion. Fifteen specimens were used to test each ty pe of closure. The strength of closure was tested on an Instron 4502 tensio n-ometer. The peak force required for disruption of the closure was recorde d and the strength of the closure was compared. Staples provided the strong est closure. Skin glue proved superior to Steri-Strips but inferior to stap led closure. The difference between skin glue and suture closure was not st atistically significant (P = 0.12). Patterns of failure differed between th e groups. Skin glue failed because of disruption of the skin-glue interface . 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate glue provides a wound closure that is similar to cl osure with an interrupted subcuticular absorbable suture. This study valida tes the clinical use of skin glue for closure of surgical incisions. The te chnique should be used with caution in areas of the body that are subject t o tension.