Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
09:41

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications

Published on: May 10, 2024

Effect of intra-abdominal absorbable sutures on surgical site infection

Akihiro Watanabe1, Shunji Kohnoe, Hideto Sonoda

  • 1Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. watanabe@kaizuka-hosp.or.jp

Surgery Today
|November 10, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates in gastrointestinal surgery were similar across sutureless, polyglactin (Vicryl), and silk sutures overall. However, Vicryl sutures showed reduced SSI risk compared to silk specifically in colorectal surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Infections
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Wound Closure Materials

Background:

  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant complication in gastrointestinal surgery.
  • The choice of intra-abdominal suture material may influence SSI rates.
  • Comparing sutureless, polyglactin (Vicryl), and silk sutures is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of different intra-abdominal suturing techniques on SSI rates.
  • To compare sutureless, polyglactin (Vicryl), and silk sutures in gastrointestinal surgery.
  • To determine if specific suture types are associated with lower SSI incidence in different surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance of SSIs across 25 hospitals.
  • Categorization of patients based on intra-abdominal suturing method: sutureless, polyglactin (Vicryl), or silk.
  • Analysis of overall and procedure-specific SSI rates.

Main Results:

  • The overall SSI rate was 14.4% (130/903).
  • No significant differences in SSI rates were observed between sutureless, Vicryl, and silk groups overall (4.8%, 14.8%, 16.4% respectively).
  • In colorectal surgery, Vicryl sutures demonstrated a significantly lower SSI rate (13.9%) compared to silk (22.4%; P = 0.034), including a reduction in deeper SSIs (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

  • Absorbable polyglactin (Vicryl) sutures may reduce the risk of surgical site infections compared to silk sutures, but this benefit appears limited to colorectal surgery.
  • Suture type did not significantly impact SSI rates in gastric surgery or appendectomy.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore the specific mechanisms behind reduced SSI in colorectal procedures with absorbable sutures.

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...