Ethylcyanoacrylate adhesive and microperforated polyethylene tape for the cutaneous closure of bitches following unilateral total mastectomy

The use of ethylcyanoacrylate (Super Bonder®) adhesive and microperforated polyethylene tape (Transpore) for the cutaneous closure of extensive wounds following unilateral mastectomy was evaluated, and the healing process was clinically assessed. Included in the study were 15 bitches diagnosed with mammary neoplasia, aged 4–14 years and weighing 3–33 kg. All bitches underwent a 30–60 cm craniocaudal cutaneous incision through the skin in the ventral thoracoabdominal region. Following excision of the tumor and the entire mammary chain, the adjacent tissues were approximated with polyglecaprone 25 sutures. Skin-edge coaptation was achieved through the application of adhesive to half of each wound, while the other half was closed using 2 × 5 cm adhesive strips. The wounds were evaluated every 48 hours for 10 days and reassessed 15 days after dressing removal. The adhesive was easy to apply and provided rapid hemostasis with no allergic or inflammatory reactions, although scab formation was noted after dressing removal, even though the surgical wound had completely healed. The microperforated polyethylene tape was easy to use, and while bleeding was initially noted, the tape did not cause scabbing. Skin dehiscence was observed at the junction of the thoracic and abdominal regions in one taped area; however, no seromas, abscesses, infections, edema, or necrosis were noted in either location, which may support the feasibility of both methods for the closure of extensive wounds following unilateral total mastectomy.