Study Summary

100 patients undergoing a decompression procedure for the treatment of conservative treatment-unresponsive carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to receive a skin adhesive-based skin closure (n=50) or a suture-based skin closure (n=50). The primary outcome of interest was the aesthetic appearance of the wound, measured with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) & the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS, observer, and patient-reported). Post-operative pain on a Verbal Numeric Rating Scale (VNRS) and postoperative complications were secondary outcomes. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks post-operation. Tissue adhesive-based skin closure resulted in significantly improved aesthetic appearance in the first 6 weeks post-operation, as rated by the patient and the physician. Pain scores were also significantly better in the adhesive-based closure group within the first 6 weeks post-operation.