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Role of antimicrobial sutures in tackling SSI

Evidence suggests that antimicrobial sutures can significantly reduce rates of surgical site infection and should be a key component of a care bundle to prevent SSIs. So how can we overcome potential barriers to adoption & is the extra cost worth it?

Evidence suggests that antimicrobial sutures can significantly reduce rates of surgical site infection (SSI) and should be a key component of a care bundle to prevent SSIs. So, how can we overcome potential barriers to adoption and is the extra cost worth it? New guidance, published by NICE, may help Trusts better understand their value. Louise Frampton reports.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a significant economic burden for hospitals.1 Patients with an SSI are twice as likely to spend time in an intensive care unit and are five times more likely to be readmitted after discharge.2 To help tackle the issue, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new medical technologies guidance (MTG59) recommending the use of Plus Sutures in surgeries within the National Health Service (NHS).3 Ethicon Plus Sutures, have been shown in multiple meta-analyses to reduce the risk of SSIs by nearly 30%.3

The guidance states that the adoption of the sutures could deliver an estimated average cost saving of £13.62 per patient, compared with standard sutures.3 The Plus Sutures, which offer antibacterial protection via Irgacare (purified medicalgrade triclosan), have been proven in vitro to inhibit bacterial colonisation of the suture for seven days or more.4-7

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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