Abstract

Dr. Pankaj Srivastava*, Dr. Bhumika Trivedi and Dr. Rohit Mehrotra

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The aim of the study is to compare Catgut with Silk in post aural skin incision closure and it’s healing. Forty patients undergoing Mastoidectomy or Tympanoplasty were taken in this study and devided in half for skin closure with either Catgut or Silk. Catgut closure of skin is cost effective as subcutaneous layer is already being closed with Catgut and same suture is used for skin closure. There is usually no need of stitch removal as it dissolves about in a week. Six patients suffered wound dehiscence whose skin had been closed with Catgut, Suture was immediately removed and they all healed by secondary intention. None had infection but this was due to proteolysis of suture material. Which led to proteolysis of surrounding skin. No other complication of wound healing was noted in the trial. No patient with Silk closure had any healing problem. Conclusion: Closure of post aural incision with Catgut is easy and cost effective but can sometimes create wound dehiscence due to proteolysis. Silk closure of has no disadvantage except added cost and need to remove it.