CompletedNot Applicable

Intracutaneous Versus Transcutaneous Sutures in the Face (IC vs TC Sutures)

Netherlands142 participantsStarted 2014-04

Plain-language summary

Rationale: Skin cancer is common in Caucasians and often exists on sun-exposed areas, such as the face. Treatment of choice is mostly excision and result in an irreversible scar. As the incidence of skin cancer is rising, also among young people, it is important to obtain a good cosmetic outcome after treatment. It is believed that the type of closure of the wound after excision can influence the cosmetic result. Currently, primary closure of the excision can occur by transcutaneous (TC) or intracutaneous (IC) suturing. Both techniques are widely used among dermatologists and plastic surgeons and the choice is mainly dependent on the preference of the physician. Research comparing the cosmetic result of both techniques in the craniofacial area is lacking. Objective: Evaluation of the cosmetic result of transcutaneous sutures versus intracutaneous sutures in the craniofacial area. Study design: A randomized controlled single-blinded multi-center trial. Study population: Patients older than 18 years, with craniofacial skin tumor receiving surgery followed by primary closure at the department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of the Maastricht University Medical Centre, the department of Dermatology of Catharina hospital Eindhoven and the department of Plastic surgery of Orbis Medical Centre Sittard. Intervention: Excision of the tumor followed by IC sutures or TC sutures Main study endpoints: Cosmetic result measured on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) by the patient and the researcher 12 months after surgery. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: All patients who participate have an indication for excision and will be assigned to one of the suture techniques. Both techniques are widely used in the regular patient care. Therefore, no extra risks are associated with it. Patients will be asked to visit the hospital 3 months and 1 year following treatment, at which point a questionnaire will be filled in and the redness of the scar will be measured by means of non-invasive techniques. In addition, patients will be asked to apply a sunscreen on the scar daily during the first three months of follow-up.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients aged 18 years or older with a skin tumour of minimal 5mm in diameter in the craniofacial area requiring an excision followed by primary closure will be included. If a patient has more than one lesion, the largest lesion that can be closed primarily will be included as a maximum of one tumour per patient will be studied. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with skin lesions on the ears, nose, mucosal part of the lips or eyelids as patients suited for excision but where a transplantation, flap or secondary granulation is necessary for reconstruction of the defect will be excluded. Patients not capable of informed consent will also be excluded.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The study aims to evaluate the cosmetic outcome 12 months post-treatment of IC compared to TC sutures after excision of a skin tumor in the face. Cosmetic result after surgery in the face

Timeframe: after 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02125058

SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-04

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