A retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of staged purse-string sutures for the reconstruction of surgical defects on skin using computer image analysis program

BACKGROUND: Staged purse-string suturing has been recently introduced for the reconstruction of round or oval defects following tumor excision. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical advantage of staged purse-string suturing for the reconstruction of relatively large skin defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients who received staged purse-string sutures were included in the study. To evaluate the defects and scar sizes objectively, computer-based image analysis was used. A modified observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) was applied for evaluating the clinical efficacy. RESULTS: The mean primary postsurgical defect size in the total 21 cases was 1446.2 ± 1187.2 mm(2), and the mean final scar size was about 268.1 ± 252.3 mm(2). The defect area decreased gradually as staged purse-string suturing was performed. The mean total modified OSAS was 7.96 ± 1.69. CONCLUSION: Staged purse-string sutures might be an alternative reconstructive method for relatively large round or oval skin defects.