Outcomes of laceration suture repair in the emergency department.

Objective: To assess patient satisfaction with laceration management, post-ED care, cosmesis and complication rates.

Methods: We undertook a prospective observational study of adult patients with lacerations sutured in two EDs over a 4-month period. ED data included participant demographics, laceration characteristics and management. A telephone survey was undertaken approximately 14 days post-ED discharge. Patient satisfaction with post-ED pain management, advice on wound care and follow up, overall management and wound cosmesis were evaluated using a six-item satisfaction scale (very dissatisfied to very satisfied). Details of wound infection, dehiscence and suture failure were recorded.

Results: Eighty-nine patients participated. The number (% [95% confidence interval]) of patients very satisfied with their laceration management were: post-ED pain management 55 (62.5% [51.5-72.4]), wound care advice 51 (57.3% [46.4-67.6]), follow-up advice 39 (43.8% [33.5-54.7]), overall management 61 (68.5% [57.7-77.7]) and cosmetic appearance 46 (51.7% [40.9-62.3]). Infection, dehiscence and suture failure occurred in 5 (5.6%), 8 (9.0%) and 8 (9.0%) cases, respectively. These complications were not associated with being very satisfied overall (P = 0.96). Patients very satisfied with post-ED pain management, wound care advice, follow-up advice or wound cosmesis were much more likely to be very satisfied overall (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Most patients are very satisfied with their laceration management. However, there is scope for improvement, especially for follow-up and wound care advice. Complications are infrequent and not associated with overall satisfaction.