A comparative study between triclosan coated suture vs conventional suture on surgical site infections of abdominal fascial closures in open appendectomy

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain one of the most common and challenging complications following both open and laparoscopic surgical procedures, representing a significant burden to healthcare systems worldwide. Despite advances in surgical techniques, perioperative care, and antimicrobial prophylaxis, SSIs continue to affect approximately 2-5% of patients undergoing clean extra-abdominal operations and up to 20% of patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures, with considerable variation depending on the type of surgery, patient risk factors, and the criteria used for defining infection. These infections are associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, additional surgical interventions, and in some cases, life-threatening complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The economic impact of SSIs is substantial, with studies estimating that each SSI adds an average of 7-10 additional hospital days and approximately $20,000-$30,000 in extra costs per patient.1 The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established SSIs as the most common healthcare-associated infection, accounting for 31% of all nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients, highlighting the magnitude of this problem in modern surgical practice.