Intraoperative handling and wound healing: controlled clinical trial comparing coated VICRYL plus antibacterial suture (coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan) with coated VICRYL suture (coated polyglactin 910 suture)

BACKGROUND: Coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan was developed recently in order to imbue the parent suture, coated polyglactin 910, with antibacterial activity against the most common organisms that cause surgical site infections (SSI). Because such alterations could alter the physical properties of the suture, this study sought to compare the intraoperative handling and wound healing characteristics of coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan and traditional coated polyglactin 910 suture in pediatric patients undergoing various general surgical procedures. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label, comparative, single-center study. Pediatric patients (age 1-18 years) undergoing various surgical procedures were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to treatment with either coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan or coated polyglactin 910 suture. The primary endpoint was the surgeon's assessment of the overall intraoperative handling of coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan and traditional coated polyglactin 910 suture without triclosan. The secondary endpoints included specific intraoperative suture handling measures and wound healing assessments. The suture handling measures were (1) ease of passage through tissue; (2) first-throw knot holding; (3) knot tie-down smoothness; (4) knot security; (5) surgical handling; (6) surgical hand; (7) memory; and (8) suture fraying. Assessment of wound healing included the following: Healing progress, infection, edema, erythema, skin temperature, seroma, suture sinus, and pain. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Scores for intraoperative handling were favorable and not significantly different for both sutures, although coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan received more "excellent" scores (71% vs. 59%). Wound healing characteristics were comparable for both sutures except for pain on postoperative day 1. Significantly fewer patients treated with polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan reported pain on day 1 than patients who received the other suture (68% vs. 89%, p = 0.01). The overall incidence of adverse events was 18%; none was devicerelated. CONCLUSIONS: Coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan performed as well or better than traditional coated polyglactin 910 suture in pediatric patients undergoing general surgical procedures. The incidence of postoperative pain was significantly less in patients treated with coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan than the traditional suture. We speculate that polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan, by inhibiting bacterial colonization of the suture, reduced pain that can be an indicator of "subclinical" infection. Coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan may be a useful alternative in patients at increased risk of developing SSI.     

A randomized clinical trial comparing two methods of fascia closure following midline laparotomy.

Three hundred forty women undergoing midline laparotomy were randomized into an interrupted suture (polyglactin 910, size 1) or a continuous suture (polyglyconate, size 0) closure group. The two groups were well balanced with respect to various risk factors for postoperative wound complications. Early evaluation revealed no differences between the continuous and interrupted suture groups with respect to wound infection (3% vs 1%), superficial wound dehiscence (2% vs 4%), and deep wound dehiscence (0.6% vs 0%). Late evaluation showed no differences between the two groups either. Continuous polyglyconate and interrupted polyglactin 910 sutures had a similar incidence of suture fistula (0% vs 2%), wound pain (1% vs 2%), and incisional hernia (3% vs 4%). Continuous closure was done faster and resulted in less foreign-body suture material. Despite its smaller diameter, the polyglyconate suture also retains a higher tensile strength after surgery than does the quicker-degrading polyglactin 910 suture. Results of this study lead to the conclusion that a running polyglyconate suture is the better choice for closure of the abdominal-wall fascia following midline laparotomy.     

Experimental efficacy study of coated VICRYL plus antibacterial suture in guinea pigs challenged with Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the ability of coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan (Coated VICRYL Plus Antibacterial) suture to inhibit the colonization of bacteria on the suture after direct in vivo inoculation challenge with Staphylococcus aureus utilizing a guinea pig model. METHODS: One control suture (4-5 cm) and one test suture (4-5 cm) were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal-lateral regions (control on the left side, test on the right side, approximately 5 cm apart) in 16 female Hartley guinea pigs (300-400 g) via a 20-gauge catheter. Each implantation site was challenged directly with 2.1 x 10(4) colony forming units (cfu) of Staphylococcus aureus through the indwelling catheter. The test material was coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan (2-0, dyed), and the control material was coated polyglactin 910 suture (2-0, undyed). At 48 h, suture articles were explanted and a bacterial enumeration assay was performed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the number of bacteria recovered between the study groups at 48 h post-implantation. The mean recovery for test sutures was 559 cfu, and the mean recovery for control sutures was 16,831 cfu. Coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan provided a 30.5-fold (96.7%) reduction in the number of recovered bacteria compared to standard coated polyglactin 910 suture. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that coated polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan inhibits bacterial colonization of suture after direct in vivo challenge with S. aureus in a guinea pig model.     

Bacterial adherence to surgical sutures: can antibacterial-coated sutures reduce the risk of microbial contamination?

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections are associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The role of surgical sutures in the etiology of surgical site infection has been the objective of discussion for decades. This study used a standardized in vitro microbiologic model to assess bacterial adherence and the antibacterial activity of a triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 (braided) suture against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates that may infect surgical wounds. STUDY DESIGN: Standardized cultures (2.0 log(10) colony forming units/mL and 5.0 log(10) colony forming units/mL of three clinical strains, Staphyllococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA]), S epidermidis (biofilm-positive) and Escherichia coli (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL]-producer) were inoculated to triclosan-coated and noncoated polyglactin 910 sutures to evaluate comparative adherence of bacterial isolates to the antibacterial coated and noncoated surgical sutures; to assess the impact of serum proteins (bovine serum albumin) on antibacterial activity of triclosan-coated suture; and to document the duration of antibacterial activity of the triclosan-coated material. Selected suture samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy to demonstrate bacterial adherence. RESULTS: Substantial (p < 0.01) reductions in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial adherence were observed on triclosan-coated sutures compared with noncoated material. Pretreatment of surgical sutures with 20% BSA did not diminish antibacterial activity of the triclosan-coated braided device compared with noncoated suture (p < 0.01), and antibacterial activity was documented to persist for at least 96 hours compared with controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro model demonstrated a considerable reduction (p < 0.01) in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial adherence to a triclosan-coated braided suture, which was associated with decreased microbial viability (p < 0.001). Because bacterial contamination of suture material within a surgical wound may increase the virulence of a surgical site infection, treating the suture with triclosan provides an effective strategy for reducing perioperative surgical morbidity.     

A Study of the Efficacy of Antibacterial Sutures for Surgical Site Infection: A Retrospective Controlled Trial

To reduce bacterial adherence to surgical sutures, triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 suture materials with antiseptic activity were developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of surgical site infections can be reduced when triclosan-coated sutures are used. Until December 2009, we used conventional polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL, Ethicon) for the closure of the fascia in digestive tract surgery. Therefore, for the control group we retrospectively collected surveillance data for 1.5 years. In the control group, 611 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with VICRYL sutures. Beginning in July 2010, we used triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL Plus, Ethicon, Tokyo, Japan) for the closure of the fascia in all digestive surgeries. So, we collected data for the study group from July 2010 until June 2011. In the study group, 467 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with triclosan-coated VICRYL Plus sutures. In the control group, 75 patients (12.2%) developed wound infections. In the study group, 31 patients (6.6%) developed wound infections, which was significantly lower. Emergency cases; laparoscopic cases, including some cholecystectomy and colectomy cases; American Society of Anesthesiologists classification; the use of immunosuppressive therapy; colostomy cases; wound classification; and suture material were identified as the risk factors for wound infections. In both groups, as the wound classification worsened, the wound infection rate increased. Triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 antimicrobial sutures lead to a significant decrease in the incidence of surgical site infections, especially in clean/contaminated cases.     

Absorbable versus non-absorbable suture in carpal tunnel decompression

This randomised prospective clinical study compared the use of an absorbable suture (subcuticular 4:0 polyglactin 910) and a non-absorbable suture (5:0 monofilament polypropylene) for elective carpal tunnel decompression wound closure. An increased perception of pain was reported by the patients in the polypropylene (Prolene) group. At the 6-week assessment, there was a higher level of residual wound inflammation in the polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) group.     

Common bile duct healing. Do different absorbable sutures affect stricture formation and tensile strength?

Few basic investigations have addressed the problem of common bile duct strictures. We systematically investigated the healing canine end-to-end choledochal anastomosis and tested the hypothesis that common bile duct anastomoses sutured with monofilament polyglyconate absorbable suture would heal with less stricture formation and greater tensile strength than those sutured with braided polyglactin 910 and chromic catgut sutures. Seventy-six canines, randomized to control vs sutured groups, underwent either mobilization (controls) or transection of the mid-common bile duct and were allowed to heal 5, 10, 15, or 50 days postoperatively before sacrifice. The type of absorbable suture used to construct a common bile duct anastomosis was found to have no major effect on anastomotic strictures nor on anastomotic breaking strength. Polyglyconate suture caused significantly less perianastomotic inflammation than did chromic suture, with polyglactin 910 sutures evoking an intermediate inflammatory response. Surgeons may safely choose sutures for biliary procedures based on the clinical circumstances and personal preference.     

Irradiated Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) for Placement of Full-Thickness Skin Grafts

BACKGROUND: The "unsuture" technique originally reported with the use of fast-absorbing gut for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts has provided years of successful full-thickness graft placement without the need for suture removal. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to explore another option for successful graft placement and survival using irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide, Ethicon Inc, Somerville, NJ, USA), with its longer tensile strength of 7 to 10 days. METHODS: Irradiated polyglactin 910 was used to suture the edges and place basting sutures in full-thickness skin grafts. RESULTS: In our experience, we have found that the use of irradiated polyglactin 910 for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts provides an alternative to the "unsuture" technique with fast-absorbing gut. It provides excellent graft survival, easy workability, low inflammation, and good long-term cosmesis, without the need for suture removal. CONCLUSION: Irradiated polyglactin 910 provides another option for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts without the need for suture removal.     

In vitro antibacterial efficacy of MONOCRYL plus antibacterial suture (Poliglecaprone 25 with triclosan)

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of poliglecaprone 25 suture with triclosan against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. METHODS: Poliglecaprone 25 sutures with and without triclosan were tested for in vitro efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli by a zone of inhibition assay. The suture also was tested against Escherichia coli in a colonization assay in a dynamic model simulating in vivo conditions. An in vitro triclosan diffusion assay and a sustained efficacy assay were performed by concurrent high-performance liquid chromatography and zone of inhibition assay. To assess stability, antibacterial efficacy testing was performed on samples held more than five months at elevated temperature. RESULTS: Poliglecaprone 25 suture with triclosan demonstrated significant in vitro efficacy against a range of bacteria. The suture sustained in vitro efficacy for 11 days, corresponding to the in vitro triclosan diffusion profile. CONCLUSION: Triclosan reduced in vitro colonization of poliglecaprone 25 suture by several strains of bacteria compared with untreated control sutures.     

抗菌薇乔缝线预防胃肠急诊手术切口感染的临床研究

目的评价抗菌薇乔缝线在预防胃肠急诊手术切口感染中的作用。方法前瞻性地在遵义医学院附属医院胃肠外科2009年5月至2010年8月期间共实施的412例胃肠急诊手术患者中随机选择198例患者在关腹时采用抗菌薇乔缝线(抗菌薇乔缝线组),其余214例患者采用传统丝线缝合(传统丝线组)。分析2组患者可能影响切口愈合的因素及比较2组切口感染发生率。结果 2组患者的性别、年龄、体重指数、合并糖尿病、HIV感染、近期内使用免疫抑制剂、糖皮质激素或类固醇、手术切口类型、术中出血量及手术时间方面的比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。切口感染率在抗菌薇乔缝线组〔3.0%(6/198)〕明显低于传统丝线组〔11.7%(25/214)〕,P<0.001。2组患者按手术切口分组:Ⅲ类切口感染率在抗菌薇乔缝线组〔3.5%(5/141)〕明显低于传统丝线组〔14.3%(22/154)〕,P<0.001。2组患者按手术时间分组:手术时间≥120 min时的切口感染率在抗菌薇乔缝线组〔3.3%(2/60)〕明显低于传统丝线组〔21.2%(11/52)〕,P=0.008。结论抗菌薇乔缝线较普通丝线缝线有助于降低Ⅲ类切口及手术时间≥120 min的胃肠急诊手术的切口感染率。     

Incisional Hernia after Laparotomy: Prospective Randomized Comparison between Early-absorbable and Late-absorbable Suture Materials

Incisional hernia is a serious postoperative complication of laparotomy. Selecting an appropriate suture material may lessen such morbidity. This study undertook a prospective, randomized comparison of early-absorbable polyglactin 910 suture versus late-absorbable polydioxanone loop suture for fascial closure after abdominal surgery. A series of 340 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparotomy were randomized to have fascial closure with either polyglactin 910 suture or polydioxanone loop suture between October 1993 and August 1996. A 2-year follow-up revealed that 23 patients had died, and the overall mortality rate was 6.8% (23/340). Ten (10/340, 2.9%) patients, including seven with polyglactin 910 suture and three with polydioxanone loop suture, developed incisional hernias. The early postoperative evaluation revealed an incidence of wound infection of 4.1% (14/340). The development of incisional hernia was not secondary to postoperative wound infection in this study. Among these 340 patients, 192 had malignant diseases and 148 had nonmalignant ones. Fascial closure with polyglactin 910 suture was associated with more incisional hernias than that with polydioxanone loop suture, with marginal significance for patients in the malignant group (4.7% versus 0%, p= 0.07) but not in the nonmalignant group (2.6% versus 4.2%, p= 0.67). In conclusion, abdominal closure with a late-absorbable polydioxanone loop suture may be beneficial to patients with a malignant disease for preventing incisional hernia.     

Impact of using triclosan-antibacterial sutures on incidence of surgical site infection

Background

Surgical site infection is a common complication of surgery. Its morbidities range from delayed healing to systemic sepsis. It has impact on the economy and health care resources.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled multicenter study aimed to compare triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 sutures with polyglactin 910 sutures for the reduction of surgical site infections. This article details the results from the Cairo University center. A total of 450 patients who had undergone different surgical procedures were enrolled; 230 were enrolled in the study group and 220 were enrolled in the control group.

Results

The study group and the control group were comparable regarding risk factors for surgical site infection. Surgical site infection incidence was 7% in the study group and 15% in the control group (P = .011). The mean extended stay as a result of infection was 3.71 days, with an average cost $91 US per day.

Conclusions

Use of the triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 antimicrobial suture lead to reduction of surgical site infection and has an impact on saving health care resources. The triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 antimicrobial suture could save $1,517,727 yearly in this single center.     

Effects of different suture materials on cartilage reshaping

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of different suture materials and suturation techniques on cartilage reshaping in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty-two rabbits were used. Posterior skin flaps were elevated, and 4 cartilage struts were prepared on each auricula. Each strut was bent at its midpoint, and the skin under the bent area was elevated only in 1 side. The strut was sutured either with catgut, polyglactin 910, polydioxanone, or polypropylene sutures. Anteriorly, the suture was passed subcutaneously on 1 side, while transcutaneously on the other. Animals were killed at the first and fourth months. The shape of the struts was macroscopically evaluated. Inflammation and foreign body reaction around the suture were examined under light microscopy. RESULTS: Maintenance of shape with all suture materials was significantly lower in the transcutaneously sutured group than in the subcutaneously sutured group. Because of high rates of suture loss in the transcutaneously sutured group, further evaluations on cartilage tissue were made only in subcutaneously sutured group. Success rate in maintenance of shape was similarly high in the polydioxanone, polyglactin 910, and polypropylene suture groups; however, it was significantly lower in the catgut suture group. CONCLUSION: Long-lasting absorbable suture materials are as effective as nonabsorbable ones, and the subcutaneous technique is more effective than the transcutaneous technique.     

Effect of human pancreatic juice and bile on the tensile strength of suture materials

BACKGROUND: Several suture materials are used for pancreatojejunal anastomosis. In this study, we tested the durability of these suture materials in human pancreatic juice and bile. METHODS: Plain and chromic catgut, polyglactin 910, polyglycolic acid, polydioxanone, polypropylene, and silk sutures were incubated in pancreatic juice and bile that was collected from patients. Fifteen samples of each type of suture material were placed in human juices for 1, 3, and 7 days. Tensile strengths were measured with a tensionmeter. RESULTS: Plain and chromic catgut disintegrated in pancreatic juice and pancreatic juice plus bile mixture. Polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 suture materials were vulnerable to pancreatic juice within 7 days. Polydioxanone retained most of its initial strength in pancreatic juice and bile. Polypropylene and silk retained 84% and 92% of their initial strength, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that polidioxanone was the strongest suture material in pancreatic juice.     

Wound complications after closure of abdominal incisions with Dexon or Vicryl. A randomized double-blind study

Polyglactin 910 and polyglycolic sutures were compared in layer closure of laparotomy wounds after 306 acute or elective operations. The total incidence of wound dehiscence and herniation was 0.65%, with no significant difference between polyglycolic acid (0.6%) and polyglactin 910 (0.7%). The incidence of abscess, granuloma or sinus formation was 6.5% for polyglycolic acid and 11.3% for polyglactin 910. The difference was not statistically significant.     

Skin closure in carpal tunnel surgery: a prospective comparative study between nylon, polyglactin 910 and stainless steel sutures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cosmetic outcome, pain and tenderness around the operation scar of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery using either nylon, polyglactin 910 or stainless steel sutures for skin closure. METHODS: A randomised clinical trial comparing nylon, polyglactin 910 or stainless steel sutures for skin closure in 61 patients undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery was performed. Pain, tenderness, scar hypertrophy, redness and the presence of granulomas were assessed in all patients at ten days and six weeks after surgery and compared by non-parametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Adequate surgical decompression of the median nerve could be achieved in all patients. All but two patients experienced significant relief of tingling of the fingers. Nearly all patients reported some degree of discomfort around the scar. At ten days, the mean pain score was 1.7 (+/-2.2), 3.1 (+/-2.3) and 1.9 (+/-2.3) for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. At six weeks, the pain score was 3.6 (+/-3.1), 3.4 (+/-2.6) and 2.7 (+/-2.1) for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. The infection rate was 0%, 8% and 0% for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. Suture granulomas were significantly more present in the vicryl group (p<0.05). There were no statistical differences in redness or hypertrophy of the wound between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nylon and stainless steel sutures are both suitable for skin closure after carpal tunnel surgery. Based on this study, absorbable vicryl sutures should not be used, since the incidence of infections and the presence of suture granulomas was much higher than in the nylon and steel suture groups.     

Surgical treatment of esophageal perforations: the importance of a primary repair

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the outcome after primary repair in comparison to other surgical treatments and the advantage of reinforcing the sutures with an absorbable polyglactin 910 prosthesis.

Methods

All esophageal perforations surgically managed in this institution from January 1985 through April 2009 (n = 40) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients that underwent surgery with primary sutures (group A, n = 24) were compared with patients that received other surgical procedures (group B, n = 16). The time to initiate treatment (within or after the first 24 h) and if the suture was reinforced with a polyglactin 910 mesh were also analyzed in group A patients.

Results

The outcome was more favorable in group A than group B in terms of time in the intensive care unit (p = 0.005), and rate of reoperation (p = 0.005). There was no difference in the outcome after the primary suture with or without mesh reinforcement, although the rate of fistulization was lower in patients with a mesh (17 vs. 50 %, p = 0.19).

Conclusions

Primary repair has a better outcome than other surgical treatment, even when performed more than 24 h after symptom onset, but not later than 48 h. Reinforcing the sutures with an absorbable polyglactin 910 mesh therefore seems to improve the outcome.     

Experiences with polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) in general surgery

The physical properties of polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) have been studied experimentally and clinically and compared with other synthetic and natural suture materials. Polyglactin 910 has a relatively high fluid absorption capacity but a low capillary capacity. The tensile strength is high and well comparable with, or superior, to other synthetic non-absorbable suture materials commonly used. The elongation at break is moderate. No unfavourable wound reaction to the suture material has been registered. The material has not increased the expected frequency of wound infections. The follow up of laparotomized patients 12-18 months after the operation showed a very low frequency of wound hernia. Neither was any recurrence noticed after repair of inguinal hernia. No clinical signs of leakage in the anastomoses of the gastrointestinal region was registrated. It is concluded that polyglactin 910 in a wide extent seems to be able to replace catgut and also non-absorbable suture materials when normal wound healing is to be expected.     

Polyglactin 910 suture in urinary tract

Cystotomies in guinea pigs and ureteral anastomoses in dogs were sutured with polyglactin 910. Silk and chromic catgut were used as control sutures in the bladders and chromic catgut in the ureters. Three months postoperatively in bladders sutured with polyglactin 910 small epithelial cysts were noted, which increased in size with time. In ureters sutured with polyglactin 910 cystic diverticula were observed eight months postoperatively. Because of the difference of tissue reaction to polyglactin 910 compared with catgut, further long-term studies are urged in different species of animals, prior to the clinical use of polyglactin 910 in the urinary tract.     

Influence of suture material and suture technique on collagen fibril diameters in midline laparotomies

BACKGROUND: Although laparotomy closure is associated with a cumulative 15% failure rate, the effect of different suture techniques and materials on the ultrastructural composition of the healing incision has not been investigated. METHOD: in 40 Wistar rats the collagen fibril diameters and the regenerative tissue were compared using electron microscopy 14 and 28 days after midline laparotomy. Wounds were closed with single and running sutures using either polypropylene or polyglactin 910. RESULTS: Closure with polypropylene led to significantly larger mean fibril diameters than closure with polyglactin. Regardless of time and suture material, running closure resulted in significantly smaller mean collagen fibril diameters than single sutures. Four weeks after laparotomy, inflammatory reactions, disorganization of collagen and irregularities of the vascular architecture were found after closure with absorbable suture material but not after closure with nonabsorbable material. CONCLUSION: Suture material and suture method significantly influence the ultrastructural composition of the healing incision. Persisting mechanical irritation around the suture threads after single sutures and severe persisting inflammatory reactions after the use of absorbable suture material are important influencing factors.