Tissue Adhesive Treatment for Forehead Lacerations
Application and Considerations
- Ensure adequate lighting and patient analgesia before repair, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1
- The area to be glued needs to be dry for proper adhesion, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2, 3
- Apply the least amount of adhesive necessary to seal the wound, following guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
- Various application techniques include using a 30-gauge needle, wooden end of a cotton applicator, or micropipette, as described by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
Patient Selection and Complications
- When wound edges cannot be easily approximated, consider alternative treatments, such as plastic surgery, as suggested by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
- For patients with factors that may delay wound healing, consider traditional suturing, according to the American College of Physicians 4
- For lacerations under high tension where tissue adhesive may not provide adequate strength, consider plastic surgery, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 4
Follow-up Care
- Assess the wound for proper healing with good approximation of wound edges, monitor for absence of significant swelling, erythema, or drainage, and consider applying adhesive strips (Steri-Strips) across the wound for additional support during final healing stages if needed, as suggested by the American College of Physicians 4