Intradermal versus transcutaneous purse-string closure for surgical skin scars
Aesthetic Outcome of Intra-dermal Versus Transcutaneous Purse-string Closure: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial
This trial will try to see if intradermal or transcutaneous purse‑string sutures produce better scars and fewer complications for adults having cutaneous surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 73 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06448481 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center interventional trial uses a split-wound model in which half of each circular surgical defect is closed with intradermal purse‑string sutures and the other half with transcutaneous (cuticular) purse‑string sutures. Three months after surgery, scars will be rated using the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and measured objectively with the trace‑to‑tape method, and any adverse events will be recorded. Participants are adults scheduled for cutaneous procedures on the head, neck, trunk, or extremities at the UC Davis Dermatology clinic and must be able to return for follow-up.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who can give informed consent, are scheduled for a cutaneous procedure amenable to purse‑string closure on the head, neck, trunk, or extremities, and can return for follow-up are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 18, pregnant women, incarcerated individuals, patients whose wounds are not suitable for a purse‑string closure, or those unable to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one technique yields better cosmetic results or fewer complications, surgeons could adopt that method to reduce scar visibility and improve healing.
How similar studies have performed: Prior randomized work comparing intradermal purse‑string to secondary intention healing showed similar cosmetic outcomes, while observational reports suggest transcutaneous (cuticular) purse‑string modifications may offer improved hemostasis and lower dehiscence, so direct randomized head‑to‑head data remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to give informed consent themselves * Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head, neck, trunk, or extremities with predicted purse-string closure. * Willing to return for follow up visit Exclusion Criteria: * Incarceration * Under 18 years of age * Pregnant Women
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- University of California, Davis - Dermatology Department — Sacramento, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Eisen, MD — University of California, Davis - Dermatology
- Study coordinator: Salsala Nasim, BS
- Email: sanasim@health.ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 916-551-2636
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.