A shocking medical incident recently unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, when a doctor at a private hospital allegedly used commercial adhesive glue instead of proper stitches to close a toddler’s facial wound. The child, approximately 2.5 years old, had sustained a deep cut after falling and hitting a table corner. Instead of stitching the wound professionally, the doctor allegedly asked the family to purchase a Rs 5 tube, and used the glue to seal the injury.As per several media reports, this incident took place at a hospital in Meerut. After this horrific incident, the parents took the child to another hospital. where doctors spent nearly three hours painstakingly removing the hardened glue from the wound before correctly stitching it. The initial use of commercial glue caused the child intense pain, and raised concerns among medical staff and the family about potential damage to sensitive facial tissues and the nearby eye.
The hidden dangers of using commercial glue on wounds:
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Commercial adhesives are designed strictly for household and industrial use. These glues contain chemical compounds such as cyanoacrylates and sulfoxide compounds that bond surfaces instantly but are not formulated for human tissue. Unlike medical-grade adhesives made specifically for skin closure, commercial glues are not sterile and may contain harmful contaminants.Such adhesives can cause tissue burns due to exothermic reactions (heat generation) during curing, which can seriously injure delicate skin and underlying tissue, especially in children or sensitive areas. The glue can trap bacteria inside wounds, increasing infection risks since it lacks the antibacterial properties of medical sutures. It also can cause allergic and inflammatory reactions due to toxic chemicals entering the tissue.
Medical grade vs. commercial adhesives
Medical-grade skin adhesives, such as those made from n-butyl or octyl cyanoacrylate, are produced under strict sterile conditions and specifically designed to be flexible, skin-safe, and gradually biodegradable. Their efficacies are well documented, and regulatory authorities approve their clinical use. They provide a safe and effective alternative to stitches for certain wounds.In contrast, commercial adhesives like Fevikwik have no medical approval or evidence supporting their safety for wound closure. Their use on human tissue is considered negligence and malpractice.
Public outcry and investigation
The case has invoked outrage on social media and among medical professionals in Meerut and beyond. The local authorities, including the Meerut Chief Medical Officer, Ashok Kataria, according to ANI reports, have initiated a formal investigation into the doctor’s conduct. Medical experts and citizen activists call for strict action, stressing the importance of patient safety and ethical medical practice. The CMO said, “Action will be taken based on the report submitted by the investigation committee”.This incident is a grim reminder that patient care should adhere strictly to medical guidelines. Using commercial glue on wounds is unsafe, potentially harmful, and unacceptable. Always seek medical professionals trained in wound management who use approved methods like sutures or medical adhesives. Patient safety is paramount and must never be compromised by cost-cutting or ignorance.
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