Histopathological Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate and Primary Suturing for Tongue Lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: To enable tongue incisions to be repaired more easily, rapidly, and practically, particularly in pediatric patients by using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) tissue adhesive. METHODS: A single linear incision was made on the midline dorsal part of the tongue. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into the four groups: Group 1 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 5; group 2 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 21; group 3 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 5; group 4 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 21. In groups 1 and 2, OCA was applied to the incision site. The incisions of the rats in groups 3 and 4 were closed using Vicryl sutures. Histopathological examination was compared between and within the groups at day 5 and 21. RESULTS: The operation duration was significantly shorter with OCA than with Vicryl sutures(P 0.05). CONCLUSION: OCA is a practical, rapid, and effective method for repairing tongue lacerations. Although infiltration by inflammatory cells and foreign bodies increased in the early period, the long-term results of OCA were indistinguishable from those of suturing.