Octylcyanoacrylate is a tissue adhesive that has been approved for closure of surgical incisions. Since 2002 to 2003, we have used this tissue adhesive (marketed as DERMABOND®) for skin closure following cochlear implant surgery in 16 adults and 16 children. Infants aged 2-3 years old comprised 37.5% of the patients. The post-auricle incision was J-shaped, the wound was 6cm in length, and there were no major problems of wound dehiscence or infection. Minor problems arose in 5 patients (15.6%), including partial dehiscence in two patients, partial infection in two patients and partial post-auricle edema in one patient, but all of these resolved spontaneously. A drainage tube was inserted into the wound in five patients, but there were no problems in these cases. Using an octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive has many advantages. It eliminates the need for suture removal and disinfection, and allows wounds to get wet briefly during showering or bathing, because a barrier function against microbial penetration or moisture is present. This is especially advantageous in young patients. Our current experience with this approach demonstrates that DERMABOND® can be used successfully and appropriately for wound closure after a variety of ear surgeries.
