Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06448481

Aesthetic Outcome of Intra-dermal Versus Transcutaneous Purse-string Closure: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2026-01-29

73

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two types of purse-string closures used to close circular surgical wounds: intra-dermal and transcutaneous. The study focuses on scar appearance and post-operative complications, using a split wound model where each participant's wound is closed by both methods on different halves. Researchers want to see if these two closure techniques result in similar cosmetic outcomes and safety profiles using validated scar assessment tools. Participants will have their surgical wounds closed with both techniques, one on each half of the wound, with the side assignments randomized. Intra-dermal purse-string closure involves placing sutures under the skin surface, while transcutaneous purse-string closure places sutures through the skin surface. Both are cinched like a coin purse to close the wound. This study uses a randomized, evaluator-blinded design to compare the effectiveness of these methods. Participants will be followed for three months post-surgery, during which the scars will be evaluated using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the trace-to-tape method to measure scar width. Researchers will also monitor and record any complications or adverse events during this time. The study requires participants to return for a follow-up visit to assess these outcomes and complete the study involvement.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Aesthetic Outcome of Intra-dermal Versus Transcutaneous Purse-string Closure

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Able to give informed consent themselves
  • Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head, neck, trunk, or extremities with predicted purse-string closure
  • Willing to return for follow up visit
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Incarceration
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Pregnant Women

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - Single procedure day

Participants undergo surgical closure of their wound with two different purse-string suture techniques on opposite sides of the wound to compare outcomes.

1 surgical visit (in-person)

Post-operative Follow-up

Duration - 3 months

Participants return for follow-up visits to assess scar appearance, width, and any complications from the closure methods.

Approximately 3 follow-up visits (in-person)

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

University of California, Davis - Dermatology Department

Sacramento, California, United States, 95816

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

S

Salsala Nasim, BS

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

SINGLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

OTHER

Number of Arms

2

Frequently Asked Questions

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Published Research Related To This Trial

The cuticular purse string suture: a modified purse string suture for the partial closure of round postoperative wounds.

Philip R Cohen, Paul T Martinelli, Keith E Schulze...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17614809