Use of a hydrocolloid dressing to aid in the closure of surgical wounds in patients with fragile skin

摘要

To the Editor: When repairing surgical defects in patients with thin, fragile skin, it can sometimes be difficult to suture wounds without tearing through cutaneous layers, particularly for distal extremity defects in elderly patients with extreme photodam-age. Additional comorbidities, such as prolonged systemic steroid use, can further complicate closures in these patients. In these extreme cases the dermis is too thin to anchor deep sutures, and attempts with full-thickness superficial sutures result in skin tearing if the wound is under tension. This necessitates the use of other techniques or devices to aid in the closure of these surgical defects.