Biomaterial suture Vicryl Plus reduces wound-related complications

OBJECTIVE: To compare the wound-related complications following craniotomy in patients with brain gliomas undergoing wound closure using either absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture or traditional braided silk suture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-five patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial gliomas from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided the patients into two groups: the Vicryl Plus group (using absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture) and the control group (using traditional braided silk suture). The clinical data and wound-related complications after surgery between two groups have been summarized. RESULTS: Patients in the Vicryl Plus suture group had lower incidence of wound-related complications compared with traditional braided silk suture group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of total medical expense. CONCLUSION: Incision closure using absorbable antibacterial Vicryl Plus suture had less wound-related complications than using traditional braided silk suture, without increasing medical expense. Vicryl Plus suture could be a better choice for scalp closure in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery.