Role of Preoperative Skin Stretching in Single-Stage Wound Closure

 Mechanical skin stretching (SS) is now becoming one of the commonly sought after procedures for wound healing. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of preoperative SS for the closure of large wounds and to evaluate various postoperative outcome parameters.  An observational study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2019 where a sample size of 30 patients was included with inclusion criteria being wounds of ≥5 cm width that require surgical management, presence of sufficient healthy skin edge of the wound/scar (at least one) for the stretching procedure, and age between 18 and 70 years. SS devices used were the top closure tension relief system. Postoperatively, various parameters were recorded to evaluate outcomes and complications.  Majority of wounds that is 16 (53.3%) were <50 cm , 9 (30%) were between 50 and 75 cm , and 5 (16.7%) were >75 cm . The mean duration of stretch was 2.3 ± 0.82 weeks. For 30 wounds treated with staged cycles of wound closure, there was a significant difference between every two visit points, i.e., 10%. The mean patient-reported patient and observer scar assessment scale score was 3.5 ± 0.93. Twenty-five cases (83.3%) had uneventful postoperative recovery. Twenty-seven patients (90%) reported an improved aesthetic outcome. Fourteen patients (46.7%) reported some improvement in function.  The study concluded that the SS devices are the simple and effective method for the primary closure of large and challenging wounds and skin defects.