Sutures, like any foreign material, lower the number of bacteria required to cause an infection; and the biofilm formed on the suture can actually protect bacteria against infection fighting cells and antibiotic therapy. Ethicon responded by creating Plus Antibacterial Sutures. Shown in vitro to inhibit bacterial colonisation of the suture for 7 days or more, Plus Sutures are a simple way to address a known risk factor for SSI.^2-4,6

Meta-analysis – considered Level 1A evidence^7-17 – demonstrated a 28% reduction in surgical site infection (SSI) risk with the use of triclosan-coated sutures.^1*†‡. In the same study, meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the effect of triclosan-coated sutures in reducing the risk of SSI did not vary by CDC wound classification or suture type.^1*†‡

 A single hospitalisation involving a SSI can cost up to
$43,830 NZD in extra costs¹⁸. Plus Sutures are an affordable part of the SSI-prevention care bundle recommended by the WHO.^7,20,25¶

Triclosan-coated sutures are supported by evidence- based recommendations from a growing number of global health authorities as part of the
SSI bundle.^19-24**

Now recognised by NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council - Australia) and other global recognised healthcare authorities including :

• WHO (World Health Organisation)
• CDC (Centre for Disease Control) USA
• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) UK
• ACS,SIS (American College of Surgeons and the Surgical Infection Society) USA