Triclosan coated vicryl versus uncoated vicryl in preventing surgical site infection: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) are one of the most frequently reported health care associated infections. They are commonly associated with greater morbidity, readmissions, ICU admissions, long-term surgical site complications and mortality. Multiple global studies have shown level 1A clinical evidence that the use of triclosan coated suture reduces the incidence of SSI by 30%.Methods: In the proposed prospective study, 100 cases undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated into Group A and B. Group A were the patients in which wound closure was done using triclosan coated vicryl (vicryl plus) and group B were the patients in which wound closure was done using uncoated vicryl. Then, the patients were followed up for 30 days to observe any signs and symptoms of surgical site infection.Results: Duration as well as severity of pain was decreased in vicryl plus group as compared to uncoated vicryl. Other signs of inflammation such as erythema, swelling, induration and fever were also less in patients who had wound closure using vicryl plus. Wound dehiscence was not observed in either of the groups. Discharge was seen in 1 patient in vicryl plus group but it was seen in 5 patients in uncoated vicryl group. Surgical site infection was seen only in 1 patient in the vicryl plus group, but it was seen in 10 patients uncoated vicryl group.Conclusions: It can be concluded that triclosan coated vicryl (vicryl plus) is better than uncoated vicryl for the prevention of surgical site infection.