The effectiveness of Triclosan coated Polyglactin 910 in reducing surgical site infection in clean wounds

Background: Surgical site infection(SSI) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and financial burden in healthcare. Worldwide it accounts for as much as USD 10 billion annually in direct and indirect medical cost.Many strategies have been developed to try and reduce SSI.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 sutures in reduction of superficial surgical site infection in clean wounds as well as infection rates in clean woundsDesign: A non-blinded randomised controlled trial.Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the minor theatre in clinic 24.Subjects: A total of 157patients underwent excision of breast lump.Results: The prevalence rate of SSI in the study group was 5%(4 of 79 patients) while in the control group it was 4%(3 of 78 patients). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P-value 0.507).Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate a reduction of superficial surgical site when triclosan coated polyglactin 910 suture was used in clean wounds. Currently, the clinical role and indication for use of triclosan coated polyglactin 910 is yet to be fully defined

Removal of orgRemoval of Organic Material in Free Water Surface Gravel Bed Filtersanic material in free water surface gravel bed filters

The removal of organic material in free surface gravel bed filters was investigatedand modelled. Two pilot wetland units of 7.5m x 1.5m x 0.7m were constructedadjacent to the University of Dar es Salaam waste stabilization ponds to receivemaximum organic and hydraulic loading rates of less than 185 kg/ha/d and 110l/m 2 /d, respectively. These units received wastewater of domestic characteristicsfrom primary stabilization pond. The entire depth of 0.7 m of the wetland unitswere packed with gravel of size 8 ~ 25 mm and porosity of 35%. Samples werecollected from the influent and effluent of wetland units and were tested forchemical oxygen demand (COD), temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and otherparameters useful for testing of the model. A semi-empirical model representingthe major processes taking place in the wetland units was developed byincorporating suspended biomass, biofilm biomass, and sedimentation andfiltration components. The model was optimized using computer program. Themodel was successfully developed and showed that biofilm of gravel mediacontributed significantly to COD removal in wetlands