Surgical suture-porcine subcuticular tissue interaction.

Abstract

AbstractIn this study tissue–suture interaction was evaluated in terms of instantaneous stress and total work at withdrawal, histological response, and photomicrographic suture appearance. Porcine subjects and subcuticular incision closures identical to those of clinical plastic surgery were used; implant periods were 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Monofilamentary sutures (4‐0) of nylon, linear polyethylene, polypropylene, and Teflon FEP were used; stainless steel and braided siliconized silk were included for comparison. Perisutural sleeves, formed by ingrowth of epithelium up to 1 cm from the loci of emergence of the suture through epidermis, were found to account for 70–85% of withdrawal work. The subcutaneous closure is superior to interrupted or running stitches in minimizing these “end effects” and attendant exacerbation of tissue–suture interaction. The degree of the latter combined with consideration of suture strength, suppleness, and knot durability indicate that nylon and Teflon FEP monofilaments are sutures of choice for cutaneous closure.