Comparative evaluation of antiseptic pomade to prevent bacterial colonization after periodontal flap surgery- a clinical & microbiological study

Introduction: Surgical site infections can occur due to capillary effects of sutures resulting in bacteria permeating the wounds. By incorporating antimicrobial agents in the sutures these complications might be avoided through inhibition of the bacterial pathogens. The aim of this study was to compare the bacterial colonization of two different antiseptic coated silk sutures after periodontal flap surgery. Materials and Method: 30 patients scheduled for treatment of periodontal pockets with flap surgery were selected and divided randomly and equally into three groups- Plain suture, Chlorhexidine and Tetracycline coated. On the 7th and 15th postoperative day 2 millimeters of the suture was harvested from each patient and the bacteria that had adhered to them were cultured. The number of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) was determined and the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney statistical test (P<0.05). Results: The antibacterial coated sutures showed statistically significant difference in CFUs/ml compared to plain uncoated sutures. Conclusion: In this experimental model, the antiseptic pomade was effective in reducing bacterial colonization on silk braided sutures.