Dentistry

Abstract

Polyglactin 910 vs. Triclosan Coated Polyglactin 910 In Oral Surgery: A Comparative In Vivo Study

Kruthi N, Rajasekhar G, Anuradha B and Krishna Prasad L

Purpose of the study: Suture site infection is a common complication of surgery that results in delayed healing and can even lead to systemic sepsis. It is a known fact that suture material increases the risk of wound sepsis by serving as an adherent foreign body. Wound infections often begin around the suture materials left within the wound. Hence a prospective double blinded study is undertaken to compare the efficacy of polyglactin 910 (vicryl) versus Triclosan coated polyglactin 910 (vicryl plus) in terms of reducing the bacterial adherence to suture material and promoting wound healing.

Patients and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 40 patients reported to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Mamata dental college & hospital who are planned to undergo minor oral surgical procedures. Patients are divided into 2 groups, containing 20 each. In group 1, 3-0 vicryl* and in group 2, 3-0 vicryl plus* sutures were used and the results compared. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test, with SPSS software.

Results: Bacterial adherence to sutures was more in group 1 and is highly significant (p<0.001) compared to group 2. Wound healing and the physical properties were comparable to both the materials.

Conclusion: Use of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 suture effectively reduces the bacterial load at the surgical site. As the bacteria adhering to the suture materials have potential to initiate odontogenic infections and suture removal can subsequently result in bacteremia, triclosan coated vicryl is an effective alternative in patients undergoing oral surgical procedures.