OBJECTIVE

To compare the biocompatibility of ethyl-cyanoacrylate (ECA) and octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) wound closures to sutures in rat skin.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were subjected to three incisions which were closed using ECA, OCA or sutures . Rats were divided into four groups which received biopsies on the 3rd, 7th, 14th or 21st post-operative days. Necrosis, inflammation, dermatitis, infection, dehiscence, cicatricial enlargement and costs were examined; the histopathology evaluated was epithelialization, deep openings, foreign substance reaction, residues of synthesis material, fibrosis, inflammation, dehiscence and necrosis.

RESULTS

The tissue adhesives presented the largest dehiscence levels, and ECA the lowest cost while the other measures were similar. Regarding histopathology, deep openings were more common with OCA and granulomas were most frequently obtained with ECA. The two tissue adhesives produces less inflammation than the inicial suture from post-operative day 7, while ECA and OCA cause similar inflammatory reactions. ECA did not differ significantly from OCA and sutures on other measures.

CONCLUSIONS

ECA was well tolerated in this study and did not induce necrosis, allergic reactions or infections, presenting several advantages in relation to OCA and sutures, including lower costs and fewer complications.