Tissue Adhesive for Surgical Wound Closure

Tissue adhesive, also known as skin glue or surgical glue, is used to join skin edges without external sutures or staples. The adhesive is applied to well-aligned wound edges and rapidly polymerizes into a protective layer that holds the skin together during the initial healing phase.

At SuturerOnline, you’ll find DERMABOND and DERMABOND PRINEO from Ethicon, as well as Histoacryl from B. Braun. These products have different compositions, application systems, and indications.

DERMABOND, PRINEO, and Histoacryl

DERMABOND is a skin adhesive based on 2-octylcyanoacrylate. It is used for topical closure of the skin following surgical incisions and suitable wounds. The product line includes various applicators and volumes for both small and large closures.

DERMABOND PRINEO combines DERMABOND skin adhesive with a self-adhesive mesh. The mesh is placed over the approximated wound edges, and the adhesive is applied on top. The system is specifically designed for longer surgical incisions and helps distribute the load across the closure.

Histoacryl from B. Braun contains n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, which rapidly polymerizes upon contact with tissue fluid. It can be used, among other things, to close clean, tension-free skin wounds. Histoacryl is available in transparent and blue versions for various approved applications.

When is tissue adhesive a suitable option?

Tissue adhesive is primarily suitable for clean wounds where the skin edges can be easily brought together and where the stress on the closure is limited. For deeper or more heavily stressed wounds, the adhesive may need to be combined with subcutaneous or intradermal sutures.

Tissue adhesive should be applied to the skin surface and not between the wound edges, unless the product’s instructions for use explicitly state otherwise. Product selection and application should always be tailored to the wound’s location, length, depth, and stress.