FDA Panel OKs Use of Surgical Glue

Doctors may soon try a modified version of Super Glue as a painless way to close wounds instead of using heavy, scar-prone stitches or staples: Scientific advisors recommended Friday that the government approve the nation’s first surgical glue.

DermaBond, made by Closure Medical Corp., takes far less time to apply than it takes to stitch up wounds, doesn’t require a repeat visit to remove sutures and--particularly important for children--doesn’t hurt, doctors told the FDA meeting.

“The addition of tissue adhesives should prove a rapid, painless alternative to sutures for one-third of patients” treated in emergency rooms, said Dr. Judd Hollander of the University of Pennsylvania, who tested the glue.

“Cosmetically, it is better,” added Dr. Dean Toriumi of the University of Illinois, Chicago, a plastic surgeon who showed photographs of nearly invisible scars on some of his test patients.

The FDA panel unanimously recommended that the government approve DermaBond, but advisors cautioned there’s no proof DermaBond is better than sutures, just an alternative.