• Steven Lo and Nadim Aslam.
• Accident and Emergency Department, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK.
• Eur J Emerg Med. 2004 Oct 1;11(5):277-9.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to review the types of facial lacerations for which tissue glue was used as a closure method and assess whether current evidence was being followed.MethodsA retrospective analysis of facial lacerations presenting to an adult Accident and Emergency Department was made over a 6-month period.ResultsOut of 200 facial lacerations, 45 were closed using tissue glue. The mean length of the wounds was 2.05 cm, with a range of 0.5-6 cm; 42 were linear and three were non-linear. Senior house officers closed 16 wounds, middle grade doctors closed 19, emergency nurse practitioners closed seven, and consultants closed three. Six cases were closed against current evidence (13%). This included three lacerations that were non-linear and three lacerations greater than 4 cm in length. Four out of six of these cases were closed by senior house officer grades (80%).ConclusionThe lack of clarity over the use of tissue glue for facial wounds may be attributable to a lack of awareness and training, and the misinterpretation of randomized trials. Greater awareness is needed of the role of tissue glue, especially among senior house officers.

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