Introduction of 2OCA Improves Outcomes in Lower-Extremity Dermatologic Surgery

Background: 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2OCA) is a skin adhesive that can seal a wound and reduce bacterial entry points, which may reduce infection risk and the need for epidermal suture removal. Objective: To evaluate whether the availability of 2OCA in dermatologic surgery settings improved surgical site infections of the lower legs and reduced antibiotic use. Design/Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing lower-extremity dermatologic surgery. Three cohorts were evaluated including procedures prior to the availability of 2OCA, procedures where sutures were still used but 2OCA was available, and procedures where 2OCA was used. Results: 1137 procedures were included: 314 pre-2OCA, 501 post-2OCA with sutures used, and 322 post-2OCA with 2OCA used. Culture-positive surgical site infections decreased significantly from 4.78% to 1.80% after 2OCA became available. A significant decrease in the use of prophylactic and postoperative antibiotic use was noted in the post- more...