Evaluating antimicrobial sutures in laparoscopic abdominal surgery - lessons from the NOVOTILAC LAC trial

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a clinically significant complication in laparoscopic abdominal surgery, particularly in clean-contaminated procedures such as appendectomy and cholecystectomy. This review examines the findings of the NOVOTILAC LAC trial, a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled study evaluating the efficacy of chlorhexidine-coated sutures in reducing SSIs. Although the primary endpoint-30-day SSI rate-did not reach statistical significance, secondary outcomes, including post-operative pain, scar satisfaction, and quality of life, offer a broader perspective on patient recovery. The trial's comprehensive design and inclusion of both elective and emergency cases enhance its relevance to real-world surgical practice. While limitations remain due to low baseline SSI rates and statistical power, the study contributes meaningful data to the evolving landscape of antimicrobial suture technology and underscores the need for further targeted research in high-risk populations.