Do antiseptic coated sutures reduce colo-colonic anastomotic leaks?

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Colorectal anastomotic leaks remain one of the most significant complications following colorectal surgery. Various interventions to reduce anastomotic leaks have been investigated, however few have resulted in a significant improvement. To date antiseptic coated monofilament sutures for sutured bowel anastomoses have not been assessed, hence this study was undertaken to investigate whether or not triclosan impregnated polydioxanone suture material (PDS) results in fewer anastomotic leaks. METHODS : A rabbit colo-colonic anastomotic model was developed to compare the tensile strength and local inflammatory response between triclosan coated PDS and uncoated PDS. ReESULTS : Of the 42 anastomoses there were 4 (9.5%) leaks. Of the remaining 38 anastomoses neither the leak pressures, degree of bowel wall inflammation or fibrosis were statistically different (P = .11; .813 and .658 respectively) when comparing the two suture materials. CONCLUSIONS : In an animal model, triclosan coated PDS is as safe as uncoated PDS in performing colo-colonic anastomosis.