Does the use of antimicrobial-coated sutures reduce surgical site infections in small animal surgery?

This literature review examines the efficacy of antimicrobial-coated sutures, specifically triclosan-coated sutures, in reducing surgical site infections in small animal veterinary surgery. Using a Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome methodology, four studies were analysed comparing triclosan-coated sutures with non-coated alternatives in canine and feline patients. The evidence reviewed includes one in vitro study and three in vivo clinical studies examining surgical site infection rates following various procedures, including tibial plateau-levelling osteotomy. Results across studies were inconsistent, with most finding no significant clinical benefit from triclosan-coated sutures. The duration of antimicrobial effectiveness was questioned, with triclosan potentially eluting too quickly to provide lasting protection. While some evidence suggests triclosan-coated sutures may reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius adherence, clinical outcomes did not consistently support this benefit. Further veterinary-specific research is needed, particularly given concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance.