Wound closure with a fibrin tissue adhesive.

In an animal experiment performed on 25 rabbits, normal suture of dermal incisions was compared with wound closure by means of a new adhesive system. This system consisted of a fibrinogen cryoprecipitate and a thrombin solution, which were mixed. After 2, 4, 6, 9, 14 and 21 days, macroscopical and histological studies were performed. The bonded wounds showed less scar formation. In the clinical cases, the new method was used for the closure of incisions at the lateral and inferior orbital rim after osteosynthesis of Le Fort II and III midface fractures. Bonding was combined with a subcutaneous suture to avoid stress and yield good adaptation of deeper wound layers. Improved functional and esthetic results were demonstrated.