An interventional study of Intra-dermal purse-string closure and Transcutaneous purse-string closure in Scarring, sponsored by University of California, Davis. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-01-29.
Sponsored by University of California, Davis · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The purpose of this study is to determine whether intra-dermal versus transcutaneous purse-string closures have similar scar cosmesis and post-operative complications. The investigators will use a split wound model, where half of the wound will be closed with intra-dermal purse-string sutures and the other half will be closed with a transcutaneous purse-string sutures. Three-months post-surgery, the scar will be evaluated via the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), a validated scar instrument, as well as the trace-to-tape method, an objective outcome measure for linear postoperative scars. Any adverse events will also be recorded.
The purse-string closure is a versatile technique that utilizes circumferential tissue advancement for partial or complete closure of circular cutaneous surgical defects. First reported in the 1950s for closure of a malar defect, the purse-string closure is now routinely used for umbilical, urethral, and breast defects as well as for cutaneous surgical defects either alone or in conjunction with top sutures, local flaps, or grafts.
Though the purse-string closure was initially described with circumferentially placed intradermal sutures, various modifications to this technique have been published including sub-cuticular, intra-dermal, and cuticular variations. All modifications of the purse-string closure share the advantages of reduced operating time, decreased defect and scar size, no removal of normal tissue, low hematoma risk, and faster healing time. However, several papers suggest that cuticular (transcutaneous) purse-string closures may be superior to intra-dermal purse-string closures due to enhanced hemostasis from greater compression of the dermal vessels, greater utility in atrophic and actinically damaged skin, lower risk of dermal dehiscence, and better efficacy in skin with limited laxity.
In 2015, a randomized trial comparing secondary intention healing to intradermal purse-string closure found similar cosmetic outcomes, scar size and pain level between the intra-dermal purse-string closure and secondary intention healing however similar studies comparing intra-dermal and transcutaneous purse-string closures are lacking. Given the potential functional advantages of the transcutaneous purse-string closure over the intra-dermal purse-string closure, additional studies comparing the two variations of the purse-string closure are needed to guide clinical practice.
The aesthetic outcome and rate of post-operative complications of intra-dermal versus transcutaneous purse-string closures have not been studied. This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous purse-string sutures to intra-dermal purse-string sutures by using individuals as their own controls in a split-scar model.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
For all participants, one wound side half will be labeled as A and the other side as B. Side A will be closed with a intra-dermal purse-string closure, and Side B will be closed with a transcutaneous purse-string closure.
Procedure: Intra-dermal purse-string closure · Procedure: Transcutaneous purse-string closure
For all participants, one wound side half will be labeled as A and the other side as B. Side B will be closed with a intra-dermal purse-string closure, and Side A will be closed with a transcutaneous purse-string closure.
Procedure: Intra-dermal purse-string closure · Procedure: Transcutaneous purse-string closure
Sutures are placed below the skin surface around a circular surgical wound, and the ends are cinched together like a coin purse.
Sutures are placed through the skin surface around a circular surgical wound, and cinched together like a coin purse.
Observer Scar Assessment as measured by Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS)
The primary endpoint will be the score of two blinded reviewers independently using the POSAS assessment. The observer scale of the POSAS consists of six items (vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area). All items are scored on a scale ranging from 1 ("like normal skin") to 10 ("worst scar imaginable"). The sum of the six items results in a total score of the POSAS observer scale. Furthermore, an overall opinion is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. All parameters should preferably be compared to normal skin on a comparable anatomic location.
Time frame: 3 months
Patient Scar Assessment as measured by Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS)
This is the patient portion of the POSAS assessment, which will be independently recorded. The patient scale of the POSAS consists of six items (pain, itch, thickness, color, stiffness, and irregularity). All items are scored on a scale ranging from 1 ("as normal skin") to 10 ("yes, very different"). The sum of the six items results in a total score of the POSAS patient scale. Furthermore, an overall opinion is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 10.
Time frame: 3 months
Width of Scar as measured using Trace-to-Tape Method
The trace-to-tape method is an objective measure for linear postoperative scars. The mean scar width will be determined using the trace-to-tape method. The surface area of the scar will be collected by tracing the scar with a water-based gel pen. While still wet, the gel residue will be lifted from the skin with clear packing tape and transferred on a sheet of paper.
Time frame: 3 months
Complications or Adverse Events from Treatment
For example, if one half of the scar has more associated erythema, as measured using the Trace-to-Tape method, then it will be recorded. Other complications from the treatment will also be recorded.
Time frame: 3 months
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