Universa Medicina
Vol. 45 No. 1 (2026): Aheaf Of Print

Effect of cross-running polypropylene intradermal suture technique on keloid scar: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

Wihastyoko, Herman Yosef Limpat (Unknown)
Rinhastyanti, Edith Sumaregita (Unknown)
Arviansyah, Arviansyah (Unknown)
Siswanto, Yudi (Unknown)
Agustina, Wilma (Unknown)
Sintaningrum, Elisabeth Prajanti (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jan 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUNDKeloids are abnormal scars that present a therapeutic challenge. Various treatment modalities have been developed, including surgical excision. While cross-running intradermal sutures were previously created using absorbable polyglycolic acid, this study introduces a modification using a non-absorbable material. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the cross-running polypropylene intradermal suture (CR-PIS) technique compared to the simple interrupted suture technique on keloid repair. METHODSThis was a randomized controlled trial with a post-test-only design involving 30 male and female keloid patients aged 20-50 years. Participants were randomized into the treatment group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Wound assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Manchester Scar Scale (MSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was performed at 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery. Differences in VSS, MSS, and POSAS scores between the CR-PIS group and the simple knot group were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTSStatistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the simple knot and CR-PIS groups (p<0.05). The median scores for each assessment (VSS, MSS, and POSAS) decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 9 months, with the control group's values being higher than those in the CR-PIS group (p<0.05). These results indicate that the control group developed moderate scars, whereas the treatment group exhibited good scars. CONCLUSIONSThe CR-PIS is more effective than the simple knot technique in improving keloid scars, as shown by changes in wound appearance, morphological function, topography, and patient and evaluator assessments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medicina

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Universa Medicina (univ.med) is a four-monthly medical journal that publishes new research findings on a wide variety of topics of importance to biomedical science and clinical practice. Universa Medicina Online contains both the current issue and an online archive that can be accessed through ...