2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate Skin Adhesive Used as a Splinting Material in Auricular Surgery

In cases of auricular surgery, postoperative dressings are thought to be important for keeping auricular contour and in helping to prevent from dressing failures due to edema or subcutaneous hematoma, which may result in fibrous or cartilaginous proliferation. However, it is often difficult to achieve success with standard dressings because of the complicated shape of the auricle. We used 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate skin adhesive to dress the auricle after different types of auricular procedures (five cases of cryptotia, two of prominent ear, two of severe auricular laceration, two of skin grafting and one of flap repair of the partial auricle defect). The 2-octyl-cyanoacrlaate skin adhesive was applied to the suture line and the operated and peripheral areas for wider coverage. No dressing materials were placed over the surface. In all cases, the desired outcome was achieved, without subcutaneous hematoma, wound dehiscence, and wound infection. Contact dermatitis caused by the skin adhesive was not observed in any of the cases. Dressing and splinting after auricular surgery can be simply and successfully achieved using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate skin adhesive. There is no need for more complicated dressings and post-surgical dressing changes, resulting in higher patient satisfaction.