Absorbable Suture Material Research Articles

An Assessment and Comparison of Adverse Effect Rates in Differing Absorbable Thread Lift Suture Materials.

Thread lifting, a minimally invasive alternative to facial rhytidectomy, has shifted from using nonabsorbable to absorbable sutures. Although many thread lift options exist, the impact of these different properties on complication rates remains unclear. To systematically compare thread lift complication rates across different suture materials, textures, fixation methods, and lift locations. A systematic review was conducted through February 2024, following PRISMA guidelines, using multiple databases. The study focused on absorbable sutures, excluding nonabsorbable materials. Statistical analysis used Chi-Square tests with Bonferroni correction. Nineteen studies, encompassing 1,406 patients, met inclusion criteria. A total of 876 complications were reported. Ecchymosis (19.49%), swelling (16.79%), and tenderness (9.96%) were the most frequent complications, while hematoma (0.64%), paresthesia (1.14%), and infection (2.49%) were least frequent. Complications varied significantly among the studied factors. Swelling and ecchymosis were more associated with polycaprolactone sutures, barbed threads, and midface lifts. Barbed threads were associated with more complications than smooth or coned threads, as were floating threads compared with fixed threads. Variations in thread lift suture materials and fixation technique were associated with different complication rates. Thread lifts using absorbable sutures exhibited complication rates under 5%, suggesting a generally favorable safety profile.

Temporary palatopexy procedure for brachycephalic obstructive airway crisis in dogs.

To provide a video tutorial on how to perform a temporary palatopexy in an anesthetized brachycephalic dog. Brachycephalic dogs. To perform a temporary palatopexy, needle drivers, forceps, intubation equipment, and absorbable suture material are needed. In an anesthetized and ideally intubated patient, buried sutures are placed, tacking the free edge of the soft palate to the junction of the hard and soft palate. Temporary palatopexy pulls the soft palate out of the airway to improve airflow and manage brachycephalic upper airway crises. Temporary palatopexy can be used for brachycephalic obstructive airway crises in an attempt to avoid prolonged intubation, temporary tracheostomy, emergent palatoplasty, euthanasia, or death. This is not intended to replace permanent palatoplasty but to allow time for stabilization/transfer or delay palatoplasty due to the higher complication rate of emergent palatoplasty.

SP2.11 - Continuous versus interrupted closure of midline laparotomy wound with absorbable suture material - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Objective The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the postoperative surgical outcomes of continuous versus interrupted closure of the midline laparotomy wound with absorbable suture material. Methods Randomised control trials (RCTs) reporting postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing closure with continuous versus interrupted closure of midline laparotomy wound with absorbable suture material were selected from medical electronic databases and meta-analysis was conducted by the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration using statistical software RevMan version 5. Results Four RCTs on 2,198 patients reporting postoperative outcomes were included. In the random effect model analysis, the wound dehiscence [odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95%, CI (0.52, 1.64), Z = 0.26, P = 0.79] was comparable between the two groups with no heterogeneity among the included studies. Incisional hernia was also comparable between the two groups [OR 0.82, 95%, CI (0.59, 1.14), Z = 1.19, P = 0.23] with mild heterogeneity among the included studies. Wound infection was also comparable between the two groups [OR 1.30, 95%, CI (0.78, 2.17), Z = 1.01, P = 0.31] with moderate statistical heterogeneity among the included studies. Conclusion The continuous suturing closure had no superiority over interrupted closure for the midline laparotomy wound on comparing wound dehiscence, incisional hernia and wound infection. Due to the paucity of the RCTs, a major multi-centre RCT is needed to validate these findings.

Investigation of Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Multifilament Suture Materials in Terms of Strength Changes Using Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Thermal Cycling: An In Vitro Study.

Sutures are natural or synthetic biomaterials utilized to hold tissues together. Following oral surgery, the surgical site and sutures are physically affected by many different factors. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of artificial saliva (AS) and chlorhexidine mouthwash on the tensile strength of absorbable multifilament PGLA (polyglycolide-co-l-lactide) and non-absorbable multifilament silk sutures. PGLA and silk sutures, which are commonly used in oral surgery, were used to evaluate the change in strength of the sutures. A total of 352 suture samples were divided into eight equal groups (n = 44) and used for the experiments. Tensile strength was tested on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. For the silk sutures, there was a significant decrease in tensile strength in all groups at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2, and at times T1 and T2 compared to T0. For PGLA sutures, there was a significant decrease in all groups at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2. This study shows that chlorhexidine mouthwash significantly reduces suture resistance for 14 days after surgery.

Evaluation of Tensile Strength of Surgically Absorbable Suture Materials Used in Oral Surgery after Immersion in Different Beverages: An In Vitro Study.

Suture materials are natural or synthetic biomaterials used to close tissues together. After surgical procedures in the mouth, the surgical site and the sutures are physically affected by many different factors. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of frequently consumed beverages on the tensile strength of monofilament PGLA (polyglycolide-co-l-lactide) and multi-filament PGCL (polyglycolide-co-caprolactone) absorbable sutures. In particular, PGLA and PGCL absorbable sutures, which are frequently used in oral surgery, were used to evaluate the change in the strength of suture materials. The suture materials were soaked in tea, coffee, and cola drinks five times a day for 5 min each and the rest of the time in artificial saliva. All suture materials were aged via thermal cycling. Tensile strengths were tested at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. Mixed ANOVA (four replicates: within-group comparison and two factors: between-group comparison) was performed to evaluate the effects of groups and time on the tension levels of the Tekmon and Vicryl suture materials. Analysis of Variance was used for the within- and between-group comparisons, with the Bonferroni corrected t-test for multiple comparisons. For the PGCL suture material, there were significant decreases in tension levels in artificial saliva, tea, coffee, and cola at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2, and at T1 and T2 compared to T0. For the PGLA suture material, there were significant decreases in tension levels in artificial saliva, tea, coffee, and cola at time T3 compared to T0, T1, and T2. There was also a significant decrease in tension level at time T2 in cola compared to T0. The present study demonstrates that beverages significantly decrease the strength of suture materials for 14 days after surgery. In particular, cola decreased the resistance of the PGCL suture material more significantly in the first week when compared to other beverages.

Suture materials in maxillofacial surgery – A comprehensive review

By holding tissues together to speed up the healing process, surgical sutures are used to secure and restore active or trauma-induced wounds. In dentistry, a variety of sutures are employed. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable suture materials are part of the primary category. A well-fitting suture prevents the displacement forces caused by external agents, functional movements, and muscle insertions. The potential of novel suture materials to resemble wounds and cure wounds is driving up their manufacture in recent times. In order to help the clinician obscure the best possible soft tissue care, this review provides an update on the features and guiding principles of suture selection.

In Vitro Study of Tensile Strength Comparison of Selected Nonabsorbable and Absorbable Suture Materials after Immersion in 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate.

To compare the tensile strength (TS) of absorbable and nonabsorbable suture materials after immersion in 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. Six 4-0-gauge suture materials were used, namely silk (S), polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyglactin 910 (PG910), poliglecaprone 25 (PL25), and polydioxanone (PDX). A total of 540 suture materials were divided equally (90) into six groups and tested. These materials were divided into a nonimmersed condition (10) and two thermostatically controlled immersion media (40 each), using artificial saliva for the control group (CG) and 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate for the test group (TG). The specimens were tied to prefabricated rubber rods before immersion and removed at the testing timepoint. By using a universal testing machine (Instron 5566) with hooks attached, a hook-mounted specimen TS testing was performed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 at a 10 mm/min crosshead speed until the material was stretched to failure, and the maximum TS was recorded in Newtons (N). The continuous variables were taken as the mean and standard deviation across the six study groups to assess the significance at α = 0.05. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the TSs over time in different media. A Bonferroni correction was performed when the data were statistically significant according to a two-factor ANOVA. Intragroup statistical comparisons were performed by repeated ANOVA for each study group. All data were analyzed using SPSS 26. The suture material TS analysis showed that nonabsorbable suture materials maintained their TS throughout the study; silk exhibited different behaviors, decreasing in TS from baseline to day 1 and maintaining its TS until day 14. All absorbable suture materials decreased in TSs by day 14. The silk and PG910 samples in the TG performed significantly better than those in the CG. Prescribing 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate as a postsurgical mouth rinse is safest when silk and PG910 are the optimal suture materials.

Comparison of the Efficacies of Vicryl Rapide and Prolene Sutures in Transcolumellar Incision.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Septorhinoplasty aims to enhance nasal function and appearance. This common but complex procedure has demonstrated advancements with both open and endonasal approaches. The selection of sutures can impact patient comfort and scar outcomes, presenting both advantages and disadvantages.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> This study was conducted to compare the cosmetic outcomes of the use of absorbable polyglactin 910 (PG) (Vicryl Rapide 5/0; Ethicon Inc.) and nonabsorbable polypropylene (PP) (Prolene 5/0; Ethicon Inc.) in open septorhinoplasty in terms of surgical scarring.</br> <b><br>Methods:</b> The sample of this prospective, randomized, single-blind study consisted of 42 patients who underwent open septorhinoplasty. The patients were randomized into the vicryl rapide (n = 16) and prolene (n = 26) suture groups. The groups were comparatively evaluated by two surgeons in terms of surgical scarring, pigmentation, level difference, indentation, and general appearance based on patient photographs taken in the 2nd week, 6th weeks and 12th week post-op.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> The mean age of the vicryl rapide and prolene groups was 26.9 5.7 years and 24.6 3.9 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in any of the parameters investigated within the scope of the study in postoperative week 2, 6, and 12 (P > 0.05). On the other hand, intragroup analyses revealed that suture scar significantly decreased in the vicryl rapide group in the 6th and 12th weeks compared to the 2nd week (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the prolene group in the suture scars in week 6 and 12 compared to week 2 (P > 0.05).</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> Inverted V trans-columellar incisions sutured with rapidly absorbable suture material resulted in significantly less suture discomfort and did not significantly increase the risk of postoperative infection compared to nonabsorbable suture material. However, there was no significant difference between the two suture materials in terms of scar appearance.</br&gt.

Assessment of Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Coating on Absorbable Suture Material: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: The use of absorbable suture materials in surgical procedures is a critical aspect of wound closure and tissue repair. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential benefits of incorporating Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring biopolymer, into these sutures. By shedding light on the interactions between HA and absorbable sutures, the present study seeks to provide valuable insights that could enhance the quality of surgical wound management. Aim: To assess the mechanical properties and antimicrobial effects of HA-coated and uncoated absorbable suture material. Materials and Methods: The in-vitro study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India in a year 2022. A total of 70 samples of HA-coated and uncoated Vicryl 4-0 suture material were tested for tensile strength using an Instron machine. An anti-bacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans was assessed using a Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) plate, and the zone of inhibition was measured. Additionally, both the uncoated and HA-coated Vicryl 4-0 suture materials were analysed under the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine the surface characteristics. An independent t-test was used to compare the tensile strength of coated and uncoated suture materials. Results: The mean tensile strength of uncoated and HAcoated suture material was 6.47±0.23 MPa and 3.78±1.02 MPa, respectively. The difference between both groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). For Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, the zone of inhibition was 8.0±0.5 mm in diameter and 9±0.5 mm in diameter, respectively, around coated Vicryl 4-0 suture material, whereas no zone of inhibition was observed for both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans around uncoated suture material. SEM analysis showed superior surface characteristics of HA-coated suture thread when compared to uncoated suture thread. Conclusion: HA-coated suture material does not exhibit superior tensile strength when compared to the uncoated suture material. However, HA-coated suture material has potent antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Additionally, SEM analysis showed improved surface characteristics in favour of the coated suture material.

Results of ligation the internal iliac and ovarian arteries in the experiment

Objective: to study in an experiment on animals pathomorphological changes in the tissues of the uterus, appendages and blood vessels after ligation of the internal iliac and ovarian arteries.Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted with 6 mature pigs. Group I (n=3) consisted of intact pigs without surgery, group II (n=3) included animals with ligation of the internal iliac and ovarian arteries on both sides. 12 months after the operation, slaughter was performed and the organo-complex of the uterus with appendages and iliac vessels was taken for electron microscopic pathomorphological examination.Results: comparative results of the study of the uterus, appendages found that the normal structure of the mature uterus was preserved, there were no changes in the structure of the fallopian tubes, tissues and vessels of the ovaries. All changes were found in the area of ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac arteries, although the arteries retained their lumen, but were deformed and surrounded by dense fibrous connective tissue. Conclusion: ligation of the ovarian and internal iliac arteries with absorbable suture material causes only local changes. The sufficiency of collateral blood flow is confirmed by the absence of atrophy of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as organ deformities.

A CASE OF BILATERAL CRYPTORCHIDISM, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL THERAPY IN TOMCAT

"Bilateral cryptorchidism is seldom in tomcats. Clinical diagnosis is challenging because the testicles can be located in the abdominal cavity, a situation in which they cannot be palpated, or in the inguinal region, a situation in which they are difficult to identify due to the subcutaneous fat layer. Ultrasound is the most available imaging method for diagnosing this pathology. The testicles have a characteristic structure that is easy to recognize. Ultrasound localization of the testicles allows the approach through a smaller incision, and the use of a castration hook to extract the testicle from the abdominal cavity. The blood vessels and ductus deferens can be ligated with absorbable suture material, but can also be sealed with bipolar forceps. The reason why vascular sealing with bipolar forceps was chosen was to reduce surgical time and to reduce the amount of embedded foreign material. From a histopathological point of view, coagulation necrosis was observed on both blood vessels and ductus deferens. The suture of the abdominal wall was made in a continuous pattern. Skin staples were used to save time."

The effect of argon plasma coagulation on surgical suture material

Introduction. In modern surgery, there are many types of different energy used to achieve hemostasis; one of them is the energy of argon plasma coagulation. However, the impact of energy affects not only the bleeding site; it also affects the stitches lying nearby the source of bleeding. The instructions for the use of a suture material or a coagulation tool do not describe the changes that may occur when they interact. A review of the literature found a small number of publications devoted to changes in the physical properties of suture material when exposed to it. This information is not sufficient to predict the effects of argon plasma coagulation energy on the suture material and, as a result, on wound healing or the quality of the postoperative scar.The objective was to determine changes in the biodestructive properties of synthetic absorbable suture materials with argon plasma coagulation in an in vivo experiment.Methods and materials. In the experimental study, the results of biodegradation of monofilament and polyfilament sutures after exposure to argon plasma coagulation energy were analyzed in comparison with control samples in the body of laboratory mice.Results. It can be unequivocally stated that the effect of argon plasma coagulation energy has an effect on the rate of biodegradation of both monofilament and polyfilament synthetic filaments implanted in muscle tissue.Conclusions. Suture material exposed to argon plasma coagulation may not meet the terms of partial or full biodegradation stated by the manufacturer, which may affect the quality of scar formation.

Pelvic flexure enterotomy in the horse: A review of current literature

SummaryEnterotomy of the pelvic flexure is commonly performed during colic surgery in the horse to empty the large colon of its contents. A two‐layer closure with absorbable suture material is recommended, but a consensus has not been established. Many different techniques have been described and tested to evaluate surgical time, luminal diameter reduction, bursting pressure and post‐operative complications including adhesion formation. The results of these studies vary within and between enterotomy techniques. The objective of this narrative review was to evaluate and summarise relevant published literature on pelvic flexure enterotomy techniques in the horse.

Clip migration after minimally-invasive surgical procedures

Introduction. Today absorbable suture material as well as plastic nonabsorbable clips are widely used for surgical haemostasis and stabilisation of sutures during minimally invasive operations, however, they are capable of potential and spontaneous migration into the lower and upper urinary tract.Objective. In this paper, we present clinical cases of clip migration after radical prostatectomy and renal resection.Clinical cases. Clinical cases of spontaneous clip migration after the two most common minimally invasive interventions: kidney resection with subsequent removal of a foreign body after the use of lithokinetic therapy and a case of hemostatic material migration after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The literature review is also available.Conclusion. Excessive use of non-absorbable plastic clips around their close contact with the kidney cavity or the bladder wall should be avoided to achieve adequate hemostasis during minimally invasive methods of treating patients.

Absorbable vs Nonabsorbable Sutures for Achilles Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Nonabsorbable sutures are still the main choice for acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) repair due to strength provided. However, the rerupture rates, infection risks, foreign body reaction, and postsurgical recovery differences between absorbable and nonabsorbable suture materials in AATR repair have not been carefully reviewed. A systematic review was done on PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase to find research studies in relation to complications associated with AATR repair using the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias from each study included will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized study (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for nonrandomized study. Five studies with a total of 255 patients, 105 in the absorbable suture group and 150 in the nonabsorbable suture group, were included for analysis. Risk of rerupture, infection, and foreign body reaction shown no significant difference between groups, and the mean difference of recovery scores were similar. Existing literature shows that absorbable sutures appear to be associated with similar outcomes to nonabsorbable sutures regarding rates of rerupture, infection, foreign body reaction, and outcomes grading following surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon repair.

An Experimental Design to Compare the Compatibility of Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Suture Materials in the Lateral Canthus Area.

Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) and polypropylene (Prolene) are common suture materials used in ophthalmic surgical procedures. However, there are limited studies assessing tissue reactions to different sutures in eyelid areas. In this study, these suture materials were used subcutaneously in 10 lateral canthi of 5 pigs. Clinical reactive score (CRS) was assessed 14 days and 60 days after surgery. On histology, subcutaneous tissue reactions were assessed by the presence of different inflammatory cells, and the aggregate tissue irritation score was calculated. CRS and the histology score did not differ between these sutures. None of the suture materials used were superior for use in the lateral canthi of pig eyes. Therefore, we recommend both of these sutures for use in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid area in animal experiments or clinical practice.

Comparison of incisional bursting strength of a bidirectional absorbable knotless suture material versus a standard continuous absorbable suture material for closure of the equine linea alba.

To evaluate the use of bidirectional knotless barbed suture material for closure of the equine linea alba. Laboratory study. Adult light horse cadavers (n = 24). A 25 cm incision was made through the linea alba, and a 200 L polyurethane bladder was positioned within the abdomen. The linea alba was closed either using USP2/EP5 bidirectional polydioxanone barbed suture or USP2/EP5 standard polydioxanone suture in a simple continuous pattern. Closure time was recorded for each suture type. The bladder was air-insufflated at 40 L/min, and the pressure at body wall failure recorded. The length of suture used for wound closure and wound failure modes were recorded. Suture length, closure time, bursting pressure, and failure modes were compared using Welch-Aspin t-tests. The incisional bursting pressure was comparable between the two groups (p > .05). Less suture material (p < .01) was required with the barbed suture than the standard suture. Closure time was less for the barbed suture than the standard suture (p < .01). Suture failure was the main failure mode in both groups (83% cases). Closure of the equine linea alba using bidirectional barbed suture material reduced the amount of foreign material in the wound and decreased closure time without compromising incisional strength. Bidirectional barbed suture material could be considered as an alternative to standard suture materials for closure of the equine line alba.

Effect of Scar Deformation on Long-Term Outcomes of Suturing Perforated Pylorobulbar Ulcers

Despite the use of modern anti-ulcer therapy, the percentage of unsatisfactory results after suturing perforated ulcers ranges from 4.8 to 57% [1, 2, 3]. It is necessary to search for reasons explaining such significantly different values in the long-term treatment outcomes of patients with perforated ulcers. Cicatricial changes in the pylorobulbar area leading to a violation of the motor-evacuation function and, as a consequence, ulcer recurrence may be one of the causes.The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a suture row and a type of suture material on the long-term outcomes in suturing perforated ulcer. Materials and methods. The study involved results of suturing perforated ulcers in 280 patients. When suturing, a single-row and double-row sutures, absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials were used. In the immediate postoperative period, the main attention was paid to the suture failure. In the long-term period, the results were evaluated in 106 patients, which accounted for 37.8% of the operated patients. The results were analysed according to the Visick score modified by M.Y. Pantsyrev [4]. Fibrogastroduodenoscopy findings in the long-term period were also analyzed in 56 patients; 31 of them were performed suturing with a single-row suture technique using absorbable threads, 25 patients were performed suturing with a double-row suture technique using dacron or silk threads. The severity of cicatricial deformation of the pylorobular area was evaluated based on B.P. Dergachev classification (1982) [5].Results. Evaluating the immediate results of suturing, no significant increase in the percentage of suture failure was registered when using a single-row suture technique and absorbable suture material (p=0.2). In the long-term postoperative period, the number of patients with excellent results according to the Visick score was significantly higher in the group where a single-row suture was performed (p=0.023). Analyzing endoscopic examination findings, the authors obtained the following results: no pronounced scar deformation was detected under fibrogastroduodenoscopy in patients who were performed a single-row suturing. In three cases (9.7%), no signs of scarring were found. Endoscopic signs of scar deformation were detected in all cases in patients of the second group, who were performed a double-row suturing. Of these, 6 (24.0%) patients had pronounced scar deformity. After performing a double-row suturing with non-absorbable suture material, an ulcerative defect with the ligature at the bottom was detected in the duodenum under fibrogastroduodenoscopy in two cases.Conclusion. Application of a single-row suture and absorbable suture materials is a reliable option to close perforation without increased suture failures; it results in improved long-term treatment outcomes. The use of a double-row suture and non-absorbable suture materials results in a more severe deformation of the suturing area and is one of the risk factors for ulcer recurrence.

Assessment of the Impact of Commonly used Beverages on Durability of Suture Materials: An In Vitro Study.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the influence of frequently ingested beverages on the stability of suture materials. This research comprised of two kinds of chromic catgut, polyglactin 910 (4-0) absorbable suture materials. Every specimen was subjected to tying using a square surgeon's knot. Subsequent to pretensioning, 80 suture samples (40 of every material) were employed in this research. Every specimen was subjected to immersion in artificial saliva to replicate the oral atmosphere. Specimens were sunken in the acidic drink (Coca Cola) and tea for 10 min every day. Tensile strengths of the suture specimens were subjected to test at particular time periods: before immersion and 1, 7, and 14 days after immersion. Tensile strength evaluation of the suture specimens was performed employing the microtensile tester at a cross-head speed of 2.0 mm/60 s. When subjected to exposure to acidic beverages, the tensile strength of chromic catgut suture before immersing was 25.14 ± 0.16, 25.02 ± 0.08 on the first day, 16.34 ± 0.23 on the seventh day, and 9.18 ± 0.28 on the fourteenth day. When the suture substance made contact with tea, the tensile strength before immersing was 24.48 ± 0.02, 24.14 ± 0.16 on the first day, 18.26 ± 0.11 on the seventh day, and 12.39 ± 0.14 on the fourteenth day. When subjected to exposure to acidic beverages, the tensile strength of polyglactin 910 sutures before immersing was 25.21 ± 0.02, 25.08 ± 0.01 on the first day, 18.12 ± 0.06 on the seventh day, and 10.06 ± 0.32 on the fourteenth day. When the suture substance made contact with tea, the tensile strength before immersing was 25.02 ± 0.14, 24.96 ± 0.04 on the first day, 20.48 ± 0.18 on the seventh day, and 14.10 ± 0.08 on the fourteenth day. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. In conclusion, polyglactin 910 exhibited a maintained strength superior than chromic catgut sutures subsequent to 14 days.

Tensile strength and knot security of five suture materials exposed to natural summer conditions of a temperate lake.

Wild fish and other aquatic ectotherms are often subjected to procedures during field research that requires wound closure using sutures. A variety of absorbable sutures are available for such purposes, yet degradation processes are highly dependent on temperature and the environments in which wild ectotherms are released are almost always colder than the conditions that absorbable sutures are typically designed for (i.e., ~37 °C). Here, we tested the tensile strengths and knot securities of loops tied with five different absorbable suture materials (PDS-II, dyed coated Vicryl, undyed coated Vicryl, plain gut, and chromic gut) prior to and during submersion in a temperate lake over an 8-week period. The naturally derived collagen-based suture materials (i.e., plain gut and chromic gut) exhibited major decreases in tensile strength within 2 weeks of submersion but maintained relatively high knot security throughout the study period. The synthetic suture loops had poorer initial knot securities that increased following submersion and showed little to no evidence of degradation after 8 weeks. We discuss the implications of absorbable suture degradation, or lack thereof, for fish welfare considerations such as suture retention, wound healing, inflammation, and infection under natural conditions.