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.     

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.     

Study of the efficacy of coated Vicryl plus antibacterial suture in an animal model of orthopedic surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy in vitro and in vivo of a new antibacterial suture, polyglactin 910 suture with triclosan, compared with a traditional braided suture, polyglactin (Vicryl), in a validated animal model of orthopedic infection. Our primary goal was to compare the microbiologic effectiveness of the two sutures. The secondary goal was to evaluate histopathologic signs of an inflammatory response. METHODS: We used 20 Sprague-Dawley rats. Samples of Staphylococcus epidermidis were diluted to a 0.5 McFarland concentration (100,000 colony-forming units/mL). A surgical steel suture was placed in the spinous process of the rats, and the deep zone of the incision was contaminated bilaterally. Wounds were closed with one of the sutures. After 16 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the surgical wounds were reopened, with cultures being performed of both the zone adjacent to the implant and the deep region of the wound. We also studied the histopathologic features of the tissue adjacent to the implant. RESULTS: No clinical signs of infection were observed. The culture of the zone adjacent to the implant was positive in nine animals in the polyglactin group vs. three in the polyglactin 910 with triclosan group (p = 0.005). Culture of the deep zone of the wound was positive in ten animals in the polyglactin group vs. six in the polyglactin 910 with triclosan group (p = 0.03). We found predominant polymorphonuclear neutrophil populations in four samples in the polyglactin group vs. two in the polyglactin 910 with triclosan group. CONCLUSIONS: Under simulated conditions of severe intraoperative contamination, the antibacterial suture reduced the number of positive cultures after surgery by 66.6%. Judging from the available clinical information, its use might contribute to reducing the number of infected implants by 25.8%. Human studies are needed to determine the clinical implications of these results.     

Coated polyglactin 910—A new synthetic absorbable suture

Physical properties of newly developed synthetic absorbable sutures, “coated polyglactin 910”, were compared with findings in two conventional synthetic absorbable sutures. Clinical results of application in 108 cases in Japan (123 clinical cases in number of tissues approximated) were also evaluated. Our findings clearly indicate that coated polyglactin 910 sutures may well become the sutures of choice for various surgical applications.     

Coated Vicryl (polyglactin 910) suture in extraocular muscle surgery.

A newly available coated Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) suture was evaluated in laboratory and clinical trials for use in extraocular muscle surgery. The suture retains the increased strength and low antigenicity of uncoated Vicryl suture, while providing easier passage through tissue and improved tying characteristics. The improved handling properties result from the coating which produces a smoother suture surface.     

Arterial regeneration following polyglactin 910 suture mesh grafting.

A suture mesh of polyglactin 910 [Vicryl (polyglactin 910) suture mesh] was placed as a patch graft into the thoracic aorta of 23 growing pigs. In three other pigs the mesh was grafted in the form of a tube to replace a short aortic defect. The biological processes taking place in the grafted area were studied by morphological methods. The following observations were made: (1) Hemostasis readily occurred by fibrin, platelet, and erythrocyte embedding of the mesh. (2) Early outgrowth of smooth muscle cells around the mesh took place from the normal aortic media and from a newly formed subintimal smooth muscle layer. (3) The newly formed arterial tissue was completely endothelialized within 20 days. (4) The polyglactin mesh had disappeared almost completely at 40 days, but the new wall seemed to retain sufficient strength throughout the observation time. (5) Only irregular deposition of elastic fibrils occurred, but in other respects the new tissue structurally resembled normal arterial tissue.     

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.     

Knotting and handling characteristics of coated synthetic absorbable sutures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knotting and handling characteristics of the new coated synthetic absorbable sutures. When compared to the coated polyglactin 910 sutures, the coated polyglycolic acid sutures displayed a lower coefficient of friction, encountered less tissue drag forces, and exhibited less flexural rigidity. In the case of sizes O, 2-O, and 3-O coated polyglycolic sutures, knot security was achieved with one less throw than with similar sizes of coated polyglactin 910 sutures. On the basis of these comprehensive mechanical performance tests, the knotting and handling characteristics of the coated polyglycolic acid sutures were judged to be superior to that of the coated polyglactin 910 sutures.     

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.     

Prevention of postoperative wound dehiscence in high risk patients. A randomized comparison of internally applied resorbable polyglactin 910 mesh and externally applied polyamide fiber mesh

This randomized prospective study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of two methods used to prevent post-operative wound dehiscence in 100 high risk patients. Fifty patients were treated with a polyamide fiber mesh applied externally to the skin using a topical glue, while the other 50 patients were treated with a resorbable intraperitoneal mesh of polyglactin 910. Each patient had at least one of the following risk factors for wound dehiscence: undernutrition, malignancy, ascites, peritoneal infection, immunodepression, abdominal irradiation, repetitive surgical procedures through the same incision, or pulmonary disease. Judging criteria consisted of the development or absence of dehiscence and the frequency of abdominal wall complications. The percentage of wound dehiscence was significantly increased in patients with externally applied polyamide fiber mesh as compared to those with intraperitoneal polyglactin 910 mesh (p less than 0.01). Abdominal wall complications and the duration of healing did not vary significantly in frequency between the two groups. The intraperitoneal placement of a polyglactin mesh was more effective and better tolerated than external application of a polyamide fiber mesh.     

Biology of polypropylene/polyglactin 910 grafts

The biological evaluation of polypropylene (PP)/polyglactin 910 grafts was reviewed including regulatory considerations, biocompatibility assessment, tissue reaction and integration, and infection potentiation of these synthetic materials used in urogynecological surgical procedures. The physical characteristics of the grafts including base composition, monofilament vs multifilament, and non-absorbable vs absorbable materials were compared. Grafts were implanted in rats to evaluate the tissue reaction and integration characteristics of the materials over time. Grafts were also implanted in mice and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus to assess the potential for bacterial attachment and growth. The tissue reaction to PP/polyglactin 910 grafts was characterized by minimal to mild inflammation with some qualitative differences related to the physical construction of the different grafts. The tissue reaction to polyglactin 910 mesh was also mild but resolved after the material was absorbed 70 days post-implantation. The integration of PP/polyglactin 910 grafts by fibrosis with surrounding tissue was initially mild for all materials but decreased over time for the lightweight and multifilament PP-based grafts, including a graft with an absorbable polyglactin 910 component. Residual fibrosis was not observed for the graft constructed from polyglactin 910 alone. Grafts constructed from PP did not potentiate infection after inoculation with S. aureus whereas the number of bacteria recovered from naturally derived collagen-based materials increased by three to four logs. The biological performance of PP/polyglactin 910 grafts is dependent on multiple factors including the composition and physical construction of the base materials, the overall biocompatibility of the materials, particularly tissue reaction and integration of the grafts, and the resistance of the grafts to bacterial attachment and growth.     

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。     

Prevention of postoperative wound dehiscence. Comparative study of polyglactin 910 mesh and total reinforced extraperitoneal sutures

Postoperative wound dehiscence is a serious complication. Various surgical procedures have been proposed to prevent it but only few studies have compared their effectiveness. The authors report a retrospective study on 292 high risk patients operated between 1980 and 1988. These patients were divided in two groups according to the methods of abdominal wall support: 226 patients (group I) with total reinforced extraperitoneal sutures and 66 (group II) with a polyglactin 910 mesh. Preoperative risk factors, surgical pathology and the incisions performed were similar in the two groups. Only two parameters were different: the number of previous operations and emergency surgery which were more frequent in group II (p less than 0.05). Fourteen patients in group I developed postoperative wound dehiscence and none in group II (p = 0.02). Nine of these patients were reoperated with a mortality of 28.5%. The frequency of the other complications was similar in the two groups. Polyglactin 910 mesh was more effective than total reinforced extraperitoneal sutures in the prevention of post operative wound dehiscence justifying its use in high risk patients.     

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.     

Intracutaneous butterfly suture – a horizontal buried interrupted suture for high tension

Background: Tension on surgical wound margins frequently results following the excision of skin lesions such as tumors, naevi or scars. This tension is commonly counteracted with buried, intracutaneous, interrupted sutures of absorbable or non-absorbable material anchored vertically in the corium. Method: A horizontal, buried, intracutaneous suture has now been developed which can be more firmly anchored in the corium. It adapts and everts wound margins nearly as broadly as two vertical sutures, particularly, when the wound edges are cut obliquely with a longer rim of epidermis. When finished, the suture has a butterfly shape, whence its name. It can also be laid as a double suture (double butterfly suture). In creating this sutures, the surgeon changes the customary direction of the needle holder from horizontal to vertical. Materials: Since 1985, this suture has been made with polydioxanon in more than 30000 skin lesion excisions with very good results. In most cases the resulting narrow and smoth scars were narrow and flat in the most cases. During the study, the following suture materials were tested prospectively in 1325 patients: polyglactin 910 (Vicryl^®) (n=390), polytrimethylcarbonate (Maxon^®) (n=95), poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl^®) (n=175), and (PDS^®) (n=665). Results: The results were unsatisfactory in only 8% of procedures. Polyglactin 910 was accompanied by somewhat more inflammation and scar dehiscence, poliglecaprone 25 by a high rate of scar dehiscence. Polytrimethylcarbonate caused skin reactions in 23% and was discontinued. Suture perforation occurred in 9%. Polydioxanon yielded the best results (p-value of the difference <0.05). Conclusions: The butterfly suture has the advantages of withstanding tension better while everting wound margins and requiring fewer stitches for wound closure. However, it is important that the suture knot be deeply anchored beneath the corium.     

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.     

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.     

A prospective randomized trial of closing laparoscopic trocar wounds by transcutaneous versus subcuticular suture or adhesive papertape

BACKGROUND: Several methods for closure of trocar wounds are known in laparoscopic surgery. The choice of technique (mostly transcutaneous or subcuticular suture or adhesive papertape) is often based on the surgeon's personal experience. Thus, the objective of this trial was to assess the impact of these closure methods on potential complications of wound healing, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing operative laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic indications were enrolled in this prospective randomized trial. Five-millimeter port-site incisions were closed either with subcuticular or transcutaneous absorbable sutures (4-0 polyglactin 910) or with adhesive papertape. Postoperative complications, pain, and patient satisfaction with scars were evaluated at 3-month follow-up after operation using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Data from 52 patients who returned the questionnaire were analyzed. Dissatisfying cosmetic results were reported significantly more frequently after subcuticular sutures (p < 0.05). Assessment of patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome on a visual-analogue scale revealed significantly better results after transcutaneous skin closure than with other approaches (p < 0.05). Adverse wound healing (e.g., infections and dehiscence) was observed most frequently in the subcuticular suture group. Also, the rate of painful scars was highest with this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous closure with absorbable suture material seems to be the most suitable technique for closure of laparoscopic port-site incisions.     

Polydioxanon (PDS)--a new monofilar synthetic, absorbable suture material. Tensile strength studies in a controlled clinical trial on the large intestine of humans and physical parameters in in vitro tests

We investigated the properties of tensile strength for the following suture materials: Polyglycolic acid (2. and 3.generation), Polyglactin 910 (3.generation) and Polydioxanon. They were situated within human large bowels for 10 to 12 days and investigated in a controlled experimental procedure. The decrease of the tensile strength in the human large bowel is significantly slower for polydioxanon suture (PDS) than for PGA (2. and 3.generation) and Polyglactin 910 (3.generation) suture. As PDS-suture are primarily less tractable than the others, there is no significant difference of tractability between all sutures after 11 days of implantation within the human colon. For PGA (3.generation) and Polyglactin 910 we found a strong loss of tractability after 10 to 12 days. In a second experimental series tensile strength, knot breaking security and knot holding capacity were tested in a tensiometer for absorbable suture materials with 3 and 6 parallel knots. The tensile strength was higher than the knot security for all sutures. Coated suture material (PGA and Polyglactin 910, both 3.generation) as well as the new monofile polydioxanon must be knotted manyfold for a secure knot position.