First 10 EM has done a nice series looking at the literature addressing common “dogma” regarding laceration repairs. Read through the posts starting here. Quick summary:

1. It may be OK to repair lacerations beyond the recommended time since laceration (in terms of risk for infection).

2. There isn’t much evidence regarding irrigation, but tap water is definitely fine to use.

3. Sterile gloves are not necessary.

4. There is little evidence either way in terms of the necessity for eversion to improve cosmesis.

5. Evidence doesn’t clearly preference sutures, skin glue, steri-strips, or staples – each has its pros and cons and specific uses.

6. Cosmesis, infection rate, and dehiscence are not reasons to favor non-absorbable sutures over absorbable sutures.

7. There isn’t a lot of data about how closely spaced sutures should be.

8. It may be OK for repaired wounds to get wet and to not cover them with a dressing. Antibiotic ointments and Vitamin E creams post-repair may not make much difference.

(Thank you to First 10 EM and to HipPEMcrates for pointing out the blog posts)

Also for extensive amazing articles on all types of laceration repairs, visit lacerationrepair.com aka Closing the Gap. Created by Dr. Brian Lin – he is much missed.