Comparative evaluation of silk suture material and betadine-impregnated suture material in oral cavity: A microbiological study

Abstract

Aim: The main aim of the present study was to calculate the total colonies of microorganisms around coated and non-coated silk sutures and to evaluate antibacterial efficacy around betadine-coated sutures in comparison to silk sutures. Materials and methods: The suture selected was 3-0 silk suture for the right side with a cutting needle and 3-0 silk suture dipped in betadine solution on the left side. The extraction on the right side and left side mandibular premolar teeth were done first and sutured with normal silk suture and betadine-coated suture, respectively, second visit, 2 mm of both the sutures were removed and sent for culture, the patient was recalled on the seventh day and the entire suture was removed and was sent for culture and the healing is recorded. On the third day, 2 mm of each stitch was sectioned, and on the seventh day, the entire stitch was removed, inoculated in 10 mL of sterile physiological saline, and vortexed for 5 minutes to release the microorganisms adhered to the suture material. The serially diluted suspension was seeded (spread plate method) with a different culture media. Following the incubation process, the colonies on each plate were counted per colony-forming units (cfu/mL). A paired t-test and independent t-test were done. A paired t-test is a statistical procedure used to determine the mean difference between two sets of observations is zero. Results: The surface of silk suture as well as betadine-coated sutures, was covered with a thick layer of plaque and debris. The average contaminated area was smaller on betadine-coated suture materials, which was removed on the third then on the seventh day there were statistically significant differences between silk and betadine-impregnated sutures. Substantial reductions in bacterial adherence were observed on betadine-coated sutures compared with silk suture material. Both the types of sutures silk and betadine-coated suture healing was uneventful, even though organisms were more in normal silk suture. Conclusion: The betadine-impregnated suture has a promising potential in preventing the colonization of pathogens around the extraction area. Betadine-impregnated suture material will reduce postoperative infection. Clinical significance: This study gives data to guide the selection of suture materials for contaminated wounds or wounds at risk for developing an infection. The bacterial adherence of suture materials should be considered by all practitioners while closing wounds or debriding infected wounds. Hence, betadine-impregnated suture material will reduce postoperative infection.