A serious cut or surgical incision needs to be stitched to promote safe, infection-free healing, but two studies from Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ethicon shows the company's Dermabond Prineo Skin Closure System can be just as effective as traditional wound dressings while saving money.
Consisting of a special adhesive and matching sticky top bandage, the Dermabond system was found to be superior to traditional skin staples used in knee procedures, Johnson & Johnson said in a May 24 press release. Dermabond was associated with shorter hospital stays and less frequent return visits for complications.
The second Ethicon study demonstrated that the Dermabond system could cut provider costs for hip and knee arthroplasty by just under $30,000 to almost $40,000 annually for hospitals performing 500 of the operations during that time frame, the release said The lower costs were tied to changes in the amount of bandages used, as well as patients needing fewer follow-up visits.
The release cited the Dermabond system's greater adhesive power, compared to staples and stitches, and ability to shield wounds from bacteria as reasons behind the superior outcomes.
