Antimicrobial Sutures

Antimicrobial sutures are synthetic, sterile surgical sutures that contain an antibacterial agent. These sutures help avoid surgical site infection caused by microbial colonization on the surfaces of surgical sutures. Surgical site infections are infections that may develop in the wound created by a surgical procedure. This could range from minor skin infections to fetal complications that affect internal organs. They are usually caused by bacteria or other microorganisms entering the surgical wound. The inflection symptoms can include swelling, pain, redness, and discharge. These infections will cause delayed healing, prolonged hospital visits, and higher healthcare costs. 

Antimicrobial sutures are coated with triclosan, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. These sutures will be naturally absorbed by the body as the wound heals. Research has shown that antimicrobial sutures can kill bacteria and may prevent surgical site infections. By lowering the risk of SSIs, they can reduce the need for additional antibiotic treatments and follow-up surgeries, thereby lowering costs and improving patient recovery times.

Challenges remain, as there is limited research done on antimicrobial sutures and whether these sutures, which are coated with antibacterial agents, may cause long-term harm that we have yet to discover. These sutures are more expensive than traditional sutures, which may impose a great obstacle for medical institutions that may want to adopt them, especially for smaller hospitals that lack funding and need financial assistance. Overall, antimicrobial sutures represent an important advancement in surgical care. As research continues, newer materials and coatings may further enhance their effectiveness and broaden their application in different types of surgical procedures.

Written by Anna Zheng at Incisionary

References

Antimicrobial Sutures for Wound Closure after Surgery Context. (2013). https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/jun-2013/RC0450_RR_RiB_AntimicrobialSutures_e.pdf

Rezaei, A. R., Zienkiewicz, D., & Rezaei, A. R. (2025). Surgical site infections: a comprehensive review. Journal of Trauma and Injury, 38(2), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2025.0019