A randomised comparative analysis of Steristrips vs subcuticular sutures in adolescent hernia repair: Single institutional study

Abstract

Background: This short-term study compares subcuticular sutures versus Steristrips for wound closure in herniorrhaphy in young adults, considering surgeon expertise, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic outcome. It also analyses post-operative discomfort, limb mobility, and cosmetic appearance. Aim & Objectives: Our study compared the surgical outcomes in terms of scar quality, and wound complication rates of adolescent hernial repair wounds closed with Steri-Strip or subcuticular suturing. Methods: A one-year randomised control trial was carried out on 50 adolescent patients with inguinal hernia who visited the Department of Surgery at Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre. Adolescent patients of either sex having hernia repair were randomly assigned to have their wounds closed with subcuticular sutures or steri-strip using a simple automated randomisation table. The findings were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and t-tests. Results: The average age of the patients selected for the research is between 14 and 18 years. Sex distribution revealed a substantially larger number of males (32) compared to females (18). Cases with congenital hernias were diagnosed in 8 cases, whereas the remaining 42 had indirect inguinal hernias and no complications. Wounds treated using steri-strip experienced less postoperative discomfort, no wound infection, and a better scar look than wounds closed with subcuticular sutures. Conclusion: The study suggests that steri-strip, a more suitable method for wound closure in daycare procedures like herniorrhaphy, is more suitable for young adolescents after hernia surgery.