Declining Use of Sutures for Wound Closure

Abstract

The declining use of sutures for wound closure parallels the growing incorporation of minimally invasive surgical techniques into our practices. As a result of this trend, tissue adhesives may play an increasingly important role in wound closure and possibly in other aspects of ophthalmic surgery such as retinal break closure during vitrectomy. To my knowledge, Bloomfield et al¹ may have been among the first to report the use of a tissue adhesive in ocular surgery. An ideal tissue adhesive would be biocompatible; exhibit strong tensile strength; permit easy, controlled application; and would set rapidly. Depending on the circumstances, it may or may not be desirable for the adhesive to be biodegradable. Biological adhesives such as fibrin glue possess many of these properties, including biodegradability. Fibrin is also a hemostatic agent.