EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF BARBED SUTURES IN INTRAORAL WOUND CLOSURE

Background and Objective: Surgical knots though provides an anchoring function on suture line, but also present a potential source of infection. Knotless barbed sutures were designed to prevent knot-related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, effectivity and longevity of unidirectional barbed sutures in intraoral wound closure.

Materials and method: A non-randomised study involving 13 patients who required intraoral incisions for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures and alveoloplasty. Following the surgical procedures, wound closure was done by unidirectional barbed sutures. Outcome parameters that were measured were type of healing, erythema, wound discharge, wound dehiscence, necrosis and pus on 3^rd and 7^th post-operative day and 2^nd and 4^th post-operative week.

Results: Statistically significant change in healing and erythema status was observed in the group (P value < 0.001) across the timeline. No statistical significance was found for other parameters. Dehiscence of sutured wound was observed on the same day of the procedure in one patient. Suture extrusion was also noticed in one patient after 1^st postoperative week.

Conclusion: Knotless barbed sutures can be used without harm in wound approximation of intraoral incisions with no potentially harmful major or minor complications.