Intradermal versus transcutaneous purse-string closure for surgical skin scars
Official title: Aesthetic Outcome of Intra-dermal Versus Transcutaneous Purse-string Closure: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT06448481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 73 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06448481 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Comparing two types of stitches for surgical wounds
This study is testing whether using a special type of stitch or a standard stitch after surgery on the head and neck leads to less scarring and better-looking results for patients.
-
Optimizing Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
This study tests whether using ongoing brain signals gathered during daily life can improve adaptive deep brain stimulation for people with Parkinson's who have motor fluctuations.
-
How movement and nervous system function relate after stroke
This study tests whether measures of movement efficiency and nerve function relate to outcomes in adults who had a stroke.
-
Support for caregivers of people with heart disease to reduce stress
This study tests whether the Confident Caregiver program can help family caregivers of people with cardiovascular disease feel less burdened and stressed, with sessions delivered virtually.
-
Normal lymphatic anatomy in breast cancer patients using ultra-high frequency ultrasound and ICG
This study tests whether ultra-high frequency ultrasound plus indocyanine green dye can map normal lymphatic channels in breast cancer patients undergoing axillary procedures.
-
Rhythmic cues to help walking after spinal cord injury
This pilot test will see if a wearable rhythm device (MedRhythms) can help adults with motor incomplete spinal cord injury walk more steadily and comfortably.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.