From the Research
Suturing lacerations in the pinna requires careful technique to preserve both function and aesthetics, and the most recent evidence suggests using 5-0 or 6-0 non-absorbable monofilament sutures like nylon or polypropylene, with local anesthesia administered using 1% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:200,000, as indicated by 1. When suturing lacerations in the pinna, it is essential to consider the following key points:
- Cleaning the wound thoroughly with sterile saline or antiseptic solution
- Administering local anesthesia carefully around the wound edges
- Using the appropriate suture material and technique to avoid damaging the cartilage
- Applying antibiotic ointment and a non-adherent dressing after suturing
- Considering prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection, particularly if cartilage is exposed or involved Some important considerations when suturing lacerations in the pinna include:
- Avoiding placement of sutures through cartilage to prevent perichondritis
- Using 5-0 absorbable sutures through the perichondrium only for complex lacerations involving cartilage
- Removing sutures after 10-14 days
- Providing patient education and appropriate procedural coding after the repair, as mentioned in 2 and 3 It is also crucial to note that:
- There is no evidence that antiseptic irrigation is superior to sterile saline or tap water, as stated in 4
- Occlusion of the wound is key to preventing contamination
- Tissue adhesives are equally effective for low-tension wounds with linear edges that can be evenly approximated, as indicated by 2 and 3
- Tetanus toxoid should be administered as soon as possible to patients who have not received a booster in the past 10 years, as mentioned in 4