Late cosmetic results of wound closure, strips versus suture.

Following 264 non-contaminated abdominal operations, skin closure was performed after randomization to Steri-Strip tape suture or conventional continuous 3-o or 4-o Dermalon suture. The cosmetic results were evaluated six and 46 months after the operation. In the six-month review Steri-Strip tape suture showed advantages over conventional suturing. However, follow-up of 217 patients revealed no significant differences in late cosmetic results after about four years.