Synthetic Suture Research Articles

Fabrication and feasibility study of an absorbable diacetyl chitin surgical suture for wound healing.

Diacetyl chitin (DAC) is an acidylated chitin obtained using acetic anhydride mixed perchloric acid system. By wet spinning and weaving technique, DAC has been successfully developed into a novel absorbable surgical suture. Thanks to the unique properties of chitins, the potential application of this novel monocomponent multifilament DAC suture may break the monopoly of synthetic polymer sutures in wound closure area. In this study, DAC was synthesized and characterized by multiple approaches including elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, we performed the feasibility assessment of DAC suture (USP 2-0) as absorbable suture for wound healing. Several lines of evidences suggested that DAC suture had comparable mechanical properties as synthetic polymer sutures. Moreover, DAC suture retained approximately 63% of the original strength at 14 days and completely absorbed in 42 days with no remarkable tissue reaction in vivo. Most important of all, DAC suture significantly promoted skin regeneration with faster tissue reconstruction and higher wound breaking strength on a linear incisional wound model. All these results demonstrated the potential use of DAC suture in short- or middle-term wound healing, such as epithelial and connective tissue.

Frenulum Sparing Circumcision: Step-By-Step Approach of a Novel Technique

Circumcision, by most conventional methodologies, involves division of the frenulum and excision of the entire foreskin covering the glans. This seemingly simple procedure is occasionally associated with dreadful and devastating complications. We describe a new frenulum-sparing technique that circumvents some of the potential complications of conventional techniques and could also potentially help preserve preputial role in sexual function. An initial dorsal slit, three fourths of the way up to the corona is extended laterally and obliquely on either side, to meet the preputial edge, 3-4 mm from the frenulum. A broad sleeve of sub-coronal mucosa is thus preserved. The frenulum is left untouched, leaving a wide skin bridge connecting the mucosal sleeve with the shaft skin. The raw area is closed with interrupted, synthetic absorbable sutures. Over a three year period, 42 patients were circumcised using this technique. No significant complications like frenular bleed, painful postoperative erections, chordee, meatal stenosis, or urethra-cutaneous fistula were observed in any patient. The cosmetic results were pleasing. The frenulum-sparing technique of circumcision is a promising modification to the various existing techniques. The method described is technically easier to perform than conventional frenulum-dividing procedures and has an acceptable cosmesis. Further randomised controlled studies on larger cohorts are necessary to establish the true benefits of this technique over established procedures.

Sutures in abdominal surgery: biomechanical study and clinical application

Abstract The aim of this study is to improve treatment results and SSI prevention by differential usage of the contemporary suture materials and choice of proper suturing technique. To simulate suturing process and compared two suturing techniques, two FE models were developed. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was based on experimental data of contemporary commercial sutures and soft tissue properties. We applied obtained results for abdominal wall closure in rats and compared non-absorbable suture (capron) with absorbable suture (PDS Plus) for chosen technique. Cross-sections were examined by lighting electron microscope. Afterwards, the results of patients’ treatment are also presented. It was shown that running sew was more appropriate for aponeurosis suturing compared to interrupted sew. The optimal parameters of suturing techniques were computed. Single-row running sew by PDS Plus was proved to hold wound edges for 90 days with less inflammatory response compared to other suture in the result of histological analysis. Application of contemporary synthetic absorbable suture materials with antibacterial coating for laparotomic wounds closure and anastomosis decreases local inflammatory reaction and provides the successful tissue regeneration. Application of advanced SSI prophylactics algorithm was shown to decrease risk of post-operative suppurative complications from 14.2 to 1.6 %.

Evaluation of the Outcome of IRPG 910 and Polypropylene in Terms of Cosmesis and Cost for Skin Closure in Cleft lip Surgery

This prospective, comparative and interventional study was conducted in Bangabandu Sheikh Mujib medical university in Dhaka and Center Point Hospital pvt .ltd in chittagong to evaluate advantage of using readily absorbable synthetic suture material IRPG 910 over non absorbable polypropylene in repair of cleft lip between time period of January 2003 to May 2004 in fulfillment of final part MS degree in pediatric surgery. A total of 26 patients with cleft lip (with or without cleft palate) who underwent operative procedure were included in this study. All the patients between the age of 3 months to 10 years having unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate were included while those with grossly deformed face or those associated with major anomaly were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups, one group with 12(46%) as cases were IRPG 910 was used as a skin closure material and one group with 14(56%) as control group where polypropylene was used. In all the cases Milard’s procedure was used except for one with central defect where linear closure was done, at the end of the study it is justified that IRPG 910 is as good as polypropylene as a suture material of choice in repair ofcleft lip considering every pros and cons of both suturematerials namely cost effectiveness, patientcompliance, post operative complication and out come. The most beneficial thing about using IRPG 910 over polypropylene was that it can avoid second anesthesia for stitch removal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i1.19451

A Comparative Study between Inverting and Appositional Suture Patterns for Cystotomy Closure in Dog

The present study is designed to evaluate two sutures pattern techniques (inverting and appositional) for urinary bladder closure following experimental cystotomy in dogs. Thirty two adult local breed males’ dogs were enrolled for this study, aged 1-3 years and weighing 18-23 kg. Dogs were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In the first group, cystotomies were closed via double-layers of continuous inverting suture pattern (Lambert and Cushing); while, in the second group, bladders incisions were closed by single-layer appositional suture pattern (simple interrupted) which did not involve the mucosa (extra-mucosal). Synthetic absorbable suture material polydiaxnone PDS 3/0 was used to close the bladder in all experimental animal groups. Surgery was done under the effect of general anesthesia using a combination of ketamine at a dose rate of 15mg/kg and xylazine at a dose 5mg/kg B.W. Dogs were premedicated by atropine sluphate at a dose 0.03mg/kg. All drugs administered intramuscularly. There were highly significant (P <0.05) differences in operative times between the two groups. In inverting group, the time was 40 ± 4.50 minutes which was higher than that recorded for appositional group 25±2.50 minutes. The animals were followedup clinically during the studied period to record the secondary complications. Results reflected hematuria n=4, swelling of the operative site n=3 and urinary incontinence n=2. These complications were transient and disappeared in a short time. Also macroscopical and microscopical examinations were performed at 3,7,14 and 21 days post-surgery. Four dogs were used for each period. The main macroscopical finding was slight to moderate adhesions n = 3 between omentum and the wall of urinary bladder in both group. Microscopical examination of urinary bladder reflected earlier urolithium formation in appositional pattern (14 days) while inverted group (21 days). In conclusion, appositional pattern is technically easier and economic. Bladder regeneration was accomplished within 14 days in comparison with inverting pattern which reflected bladder regeneration at 21 days post-surgery.

Comparison of Outcomes of Synthetic Mesh vs Suture Repair of Elective Primary Ventral Herniorrhaphy

More than 350,000 ventral hernias are repaired in the United States annually, of which 75% are primary ventral hernias (eg, umbilical or epigastric hernias). Despite the volume, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of sutures vs mesh for primary ventral hernia repairs. To compare suture vs mesh repairs for 3 outcomes: hernia recurrence, surgical site infection (SSI), and seromas. Randomized controlled trials, case-control, and cohort studies were identified from OVID, PubMed, and reference lists from January 1, 1980, through June 1, 2012. English-language studies with adult patients were eligible for review if there was mention of both suture and mesh techniques used during elective repair of a primary ventral hernia. Two study authors independently reviewed the 1492 articles originally identified and selected 9 for analysis. The Downs and Black 26-item checklist was used to critically assess the risk of bias. Year of publication, study design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, number of patients, follow-up duration, use of preoperative antibiotics, size of hernias repaired, age, body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, repair techniques, incidence of hernia recurrence, seroma, and SSI. Three separate univariate meta-analyses for each end point followed by a multivariate meta-analysis were performed. Across all 9 studies, there were 637 mesh repairs and 1145 suture repairs. The pooled mesh repairs demonstrated a 2.7% recurrence rate, 7.7% seroma rate, and 7.3% SSI rate The pooled suture repairs demonstrated an 8.2% recurrence rate, 3.8% seroma rate, and 6.6% SSI rate. On the basis of results from the multivariate meta-analysis, recurrences (log odds ratio , −1.04; 95% CI, −1.58 to −0.52) were more common with suture repair, whereas seromas (0.84; 0.27-1.41) and SSIs (0.65; 0.12-1.18) were more common with mesh repair. Mesh repair has a small reduction in recurrence rates compared with suture repairs for primary ventral hernias, but an increased risk of seroma and SSI was observed. Further high-quality studies are necessary to determine whether suture or mesh repair leads to improved outcomes for primary ventral hernias.

Synthetic Augmented Suture Anchor Reconstruction for a Complete Traumatic Distal Triceps Tendon Rupture in a Male Professional Bodybuilder with Postoperative Biomechanical Assessment

Bodybuilding is a high-risk sport for distal triceps tendon ruptures. Management, especially in high-demanding athletes, is operative with suture anchor refixation technique being frequently used. However, the rate of rerupture is high due to underlying poor tendon quality. Thus, additional augmentation could be useful. This case report presents a reconstruction technique for a complete traumatic distal triceps tendon rupture in a bodybuilder with postoperative biomechanical assessment. A 28-year-old male professional bodybuilder was treated with a synthetic augmented suture anchor reconstruction for a complete triceps tendon rupture of his right dominant elbow. Postoperative biomechanical assessment included isokinetic elbow strength and endurance testing by using multiple angular velocities to simulate the “off-season” and “precompetition” phases of training. Eighteen months postoperatively and after full return to training, the biomechanical assessment indicated that the strength and endurance of the operated elbow joint was fully restored with even higher ratings compared to the contralateral healthy arm. The described reconstruction technique can be considered as an advisable option in high-performance athletes with underlying poor tendon quality due to high tensile strength and lack of donor site morbidity, thus enabling them to restore preinjury status and achieve safe return to sports.

Evaluation of sternal closure with absorbable polydioxanone sutures in children.

Introduction: Sternal dehiscence, sternal wound infection and mediastinitis are troublesome complications following median sternotomy which are major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients. Synthetic polydioxanone absorbable suture seems effective in prevention of these complications in children undergoing open heart surgery. Methods: During 2 years period, 620 patients who underwent median sternotomy were studied. The efficacy of absorbable polydioxanone suture was tested on patients using figure-of-eight suture technique. The patients’ age ranged from newborn to 15 years old. All surgical interventions were performed according to a standard protocol. Results: No sternal sutures were broken during the sternal closure and no case of mediastinitis was seen. Two patients experienced sternal dehiscence (0.32%). Follow-up period of patients were established between 1 to 132 months after open heart surgery. Conclusion: Sternal closure with the polydioxanone suture in combination with figure-of-eight technique is a safe and suitable method in children with good clinical results.

後発医療材料の経済性と安全性の評価―縫合針付き吸収性合成糸の使用実績を通して

Although generic medical materials are often used, limited information is available. Aim of this study is to evaluate safety and economy of absorbable synthetic suture with needle B (B) as generic medical materials. Sample evaluation showed that average scores of B is located in the middle of good and accepted and B was adopted. Absorbable synthetic suture with needle A (A) which started previously was reduced the price and became the continuation adoption. Estimated reduction was 11 million yen. Reduction = ∑ - (∑ A + ∑ B) ;∑ = original price of A x (use number of A + B), ∑ A= price of A x (use number of A), ∑ B = price of B x (use number of B). From the hospital incident reporting system, 18 cases which related needle or thread were extracted. There were two incident reports about A, and no report about B. There was much number of the use of heavy thread B in abdominal closure. Our results show that it is possible to evaluate safety and economy of generic medical materials by analyzing the user’s sample check and actual use in absorbable synthetic suture with needle.

Elasticity and breaking strength of synthetic suture materials incubated in various equine physiological and pathological solutions

Selection of suture material in equine surgery is often based on costs or subjective factors, such as the surgeon's personal experience, rather than objective facts. The amount of objective data available on durability of suture materials with regard to specific equine physiological conditions is limited. To evaluate the effect of various equine physiological and pathological fluids on the rate of degradation of a number of commonly used suture materials. In vitro material testing. Suture materials were exposed in vitro to physiological fluid, followed by biomechanical analysis. Three absorbable suture materials, glycolide/lactide copolymer, polyglactin 910 and polydioxanone were incubated at 37°C for 7, 14 or 28 days in phosphate-buffered saline, equine serum, equine urine and equine peritoneal fluid from an animal with peritonitis. Five strands of each suture material type were tested to failure in a materials testing machine for each time point and each incubation medium. Yield strength, strain and Young's modulus were calculated, analysed and reported. For all suture types, the incubation time had a significant effect on yield strength, percentage elongation and Young's modulus in all culture media (P<0.0001). Suture type was also shown significantly to influence changes in each of yield strength, percentage elongation and Young's modulus in all culture media (P<0.0001). While the glycolide/lactide copolymer demonstrated the highest Day 0 yield strength, it showed the most rapid degradation in all culture media. For each of the 3 material characteristics tested, polydioxanone showed the least variation across the incubation period in each culture medium. The duration of incubation and the type of fluid have significant effects on the biomechanical properties of various suture materials. These findings are important for evidence-based selection of suture material in clinical cases.

Adhesive strength of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive: how strong is it?

We evaluated the adhesive strength of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate and compared the findings with those of traditional monofilament synthetic sutures. We also investigated the factors that could affect the effectiveness of cyanoacrylate bonding by skin surface modifications at the adhesion site. Using a porcine skin model, we measured the maximum load for ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive under various application conditions. When the application width was 5 mm, no differences were found in the maximum force load for one layer or two layers of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive (3.3 ± 1.7 and 4.8 ± 1.5 N, p = 0.176). When the application width was extended to 10 mm, the maximum force load for one layer was 8.2 ± 0.6 N, which was significantly higher than for 5 mm (p < 0.002). The force fell to within the loads generated by 6-0 to 5-0 ETHILON™ monofilament non-absorbable synthetic sutures. Roughening of the application surface had little effect on adhesion; however, smoothing resulted in a decrease in overall adhesive strength. The width of the application of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive over the skin defect was important for achieving good and stable adhesive strength. Increasing the number of layers of adhesive through repeated applications of the cyanoacrylate did not increase overall adhesive strength. Skin surface modifications other than regular cleaning should be avoided.

Prospective Evaluation of Absorbable Gastropexy Anchor Indwelling Time in 33 Patients

PurposeTo evaluate the time to absorbable suture gastropexy anchor release and gastropexy-related complications in patients receiving percutaneous image-guided transabdominal gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy tube placement. Materials and MethodsThirty-three consecutive patients (16 women; mean age, 63.5 y; range, 25–92 y) undergoing fluoroscopically guided (n = 32) or computed tomography–guided (n = 1) percutaneous transabdominal gastrostomy (n = 26) or gastrojejunostomy (n = 7) were prospectively enrolled in a single-center study. Each patient had three synthetic absorbable suture T-fasteners inserted and were followed until all gastropexy button-locks released naturally, were cut by a health care provider, or were lost to follow-up. Patients or caregivers were contacted weekly to determine timing of gastropexy button-lock release and assess for postprocedural complications. ResultsAll three T-fastener button-type suture locks released naturally in 14 of 33 patients (42.4%) at a median of 29.5 days (mean, 26.7 d; range, 8–40 d). One or more T-fastener sutures were cut in 10 of 33 patients (30.3%), and nine patients (27.3%) were lost to follow-up. Accounting for patient censorship, T-fasteners in all 33 patients remained intact for a median of 35 days. Local infections developed in three patients (9%) on days 22, 25, and 34. ConclusionsRelative to nonabsorbable gastropexy sutures, absorbable suture gastropexy anchors offer the potential to reduce complications associated with long gastropexy indwelling times. However, absorbable gastropexy anchor buttons usually remain intact for longer than 3 weeks after insertion. A postprocedural plan for gastropexy inspection and removal within 3 weeks should continue to be emphasized to avoid local complications, even for absorbable suture kits.

EVALUATION OF SCAFFOLDS IN VITRO FOR USE IN TENDON REGENERATION

IntroductionInjuries to tendons can cause major morbidity in healthy, young active people as well as in the increasing aged population. Providing a scaffold that encourages appropriate cell attachment, growth, and...

Surgical management of stenotic pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatic surgery

Pancreatic fistula remains a common problem and a main cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We have developed a safe and simple method of pancreaticojejunostomy in 33 patients, in whom approximately 3 cm of jejunal mucosa was cut to improve the adhesion between the loop and pancreatic parenchyma after end-to-end invagination. Furthermore, we have performed a purse-string procedure on 21 patients to secure the jejunum to the intussuscepted pancreatic stump instead of continuous running fashion with double needles of 5-0 monofilament synthetic absorbable sutures. This procedure was proved to be much more expeditious, and only 2 of 33 patients had pancreatic leakages. Therefore, the telescopic technique associated with mucosectomy is an acceptable and safe surgery for pancreaticojejunal anastomosis.

Evaluation of tensile strength of surgical synthetic absorbable suture materials: an in vitro study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength of surgical synthetic absorbable sutures over a period of 14 days under simulated oral conditions.MethodsThree suture materials (polyglycolic acid [PGA], polyglactin [PG] 910, and poly (glycolide-co-є-caprolactone) [PGC]) were used in 4-0 and 5-0 gauges. 210 suture samples (35 of each material and gauge) were used. All of the samples were tested preimmersion and 1 hour and 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postimmersion. The tensile strength of each suture material and gauge was assessed. The point of breakage and the resorption pattern of the sutures were also assessed.ResultsDuring the first 24 hours of immersion, all 4-0 and 5-0 samples of PGA, PG 910, and PGC maintained their initial tensile strength. At baseline (preimmersion), there was a statistically significant (P<0.001) difference in the tensile strengths between the 4-0 and 5-0 gauge of PGA, PG 910, and PGC. PGA 4-0 showed the highest tensile strength until day 10. At 7 days, all the 4-0 sutures of the three materials had maintained their tensile strength with PGA 4-0 having significantly greater (P=0.003) tensile strength compared to PG.Conclusions4-0 sutures are stronger and have greater tensile strength than 5-0 sutures. The PGA 4-0 suture showed the highest tensile strength at the end of day 10.

A comparison of 2 methods of vaginal cuff closure during robotic hysterectomy

ObjectiveTo compare 2 methods of vaginal cuff closure with regard to safety, ease of use, and postoperative outcome. MethodsAll patients undergoing robotic-assisted total hysterectomy by a gynecologic oncologist from July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011, at Northwestern Memorial Prentice Women's Hospital were included in a retrospective analysis. Providers used either 2–0 monofilament synthetic absorbable suture to close the vaginal cuff in a running fashion, secured with an absorbable suture clip at the angles and then knotted in the middle, or 2–0 absorbable unidirectional barbed suture with a welded-loop closure in a running fashion. ResultsA total of 134 patients underwent robotic-assisted total hysterectomy. The 2–0 tied monofilament closure was used in 58 patients, and the 2–0 barbed knotless closure was used in 76 patients. There were no instances of vaginal cuff dehiscence or vaginal cuff cellulitis. Rates of vaginal spotting and bleeding were comparable between the groups (12.0% spotting in the monofilament suture group vs 13.0% spotting in the barbed suture group). All vaginal cuff bleeding resolved on its own without significant intervention. ConclusionThe use of either a 2–0 welded-loop unidirectional barbed suture or a 2–0 monofilament absorbable suture to close the vaginal cuff is safe and well tolerated.

The effect of a silicone-coated robotic needle holder.

We have evaluated a silicone-coated robotic needle holder. We measured the intensity and extension of a 7-0 Prolene suture after holding it with a robotic instrument. To prevent damage, we modified it by coating the jaws with silicone. In the first study there were four groups: Group C, suture not held by instruments (n=6); Group R, suture held by a robotic instrument (n=6); Group SO, suture held by a robotic instrument with one jaw coated with silicone (n=6); and Group SB, suture held by a robotic instrument with both jaws coated with silicone (n=6). Finally, one instrument with a single jaw coated with silicone and one with both jaws coated with silicone were tested to evaluate their manipulation capabilities. The intensity and extension of sutures in groups C, R, SO, and SB were 3.05N/37.9%, 2.28N/23.9%, 3.06N/37.5%, and 2.96N/36.2%, respectively. We also found that the grip force of the instrument with both jaws coated with silicone was low, which caused the needle to be unstable or to turn, resulting in poor suturing. Manipulation of the instrument with one jaw coated with silicone was satisfactory. It is concluded that the best way to avoid breaking small synthetic monofilament sutures is not to use the robotic needle holder; the holder can be used, however, if one jaw only is coated with silicone.

Strength of sliding knots in multifilament resorbable suture materials

Experimental laboratory study was made to test the knot integrity of identical, non-identical and parallel sliding knots, with three and five throws, made with synthetic resorbable multifilament suture materials. The knots were made with Novosyn (polyglactin 612), Safil (polyglycolic acid), Vicryl (polyglactin 612) and Vicryl plus (polyglactin 910 + triclosan), all with suture size: 3-0 USP. Per material 10 knots for every kind of knot were tested in a tensiometer, resulting in a total of 240 tests. Sliding knots with three throws were compared with the five throw sliding knots, and a comparison of the loop-holding capacities (LHC) of the different suture materials was made. Differences in suture material, knot type, and number of throws in the knot had a remarkable effect on knot performance. Adding two extra throws to a three throw non-identical or parallel sliding knot resulted in significantly more reliable knots (P < 0.05). In identical sliding knots, this effect was not seen, but these knots showed low LHCs, indicating poor knot reliability. Compared to the other suture materials, Safil showed significantly lower LHCs. Most of the mean LHCs of the various knots with Vicryl, Vicryl Plus or Novosyn were not statistically different from each other. Identical sliding knots appeared to be very unreliable, especially when made with three throws. Non-identical and parallel slipknots with five throws demonstrated superior knot integrity compared with the same knot types with three throws. Safil had inferior knot properties as compared to the other materials, but Vicryl, Vicryl Plus and Novosyn behaved virtually the same. The type of knot and the use of different suture materials have important influence on the integrity of the knot. A high knot reliability is nowadays all the more important because of the frequent use of resorbable suture materials. The suture gradually loses strength during the resorption process, so that an extra margin of safety neutralizes the effect of this process.

Bidirectional barbed suture for bladder neck reconstruction, posterior reconstruction and vesicourethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

BackgroundThe urethrovesical anastomosis is a particular challenging step of robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Failure to achieve a watertight anastomosis is associated with postoperative urinary leak and its consequences, which include paralytic ileus, prolonged catheterization, urinary peritonitis and possibly re-intervention. The bidirectional barbed suture is a new technology that may lead to improve the quality of the urethrovesical anastomosis. ObjectiveTo present our surgical technique of urethrovesical anastomosis, bladder neck reconstruction and posterior reconstruction, using a bidirectional barbed suture. Material and methodsThe bladder neck reconstruction, posterior reconstruction and vesicourethral anastomosis were performed using a 2-0 synthetic absorbable bidirectional monofilament barbed suture. ResultsAll cases were finished successfully without major complication or conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. ConclusionThe authors successfully modified their RARP technique to take advantage of the properties of the bidirectional barbed suture. Comparative studies that evaluate objective outcomes such as leakage rates and operative time are needed to definitely establish the benefits of this device in comparison to the traditional absorbable monofilament.

The Effects of Demineralization Process on Diameter, Tensile Properties and Biodegradation of Chitosan Fiber

Chitosan fiber is one of the potential fibers that can be used as absorbable monofilament suture in biomedical application. In chitosan synthesis, aside from deproteination and deacetylation, demineralization is a crucial step where the major minerals within crustacean shells are removed. This demineralization process is carried out with two parameters, i.e. time and temperature. This research studies the influence of demineralization time on the diameter, tensile properties and biodegradability of chitosan fibers. Chitosan was synthesized from shrimp shells using 1 × 2h and 3 × 2h demineralization process. Chitosan fibers were produced by means of wet spinning. The chemical properties of chitosan fibers were characterized by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) technique. Physical properties characterization was carried out to measure the fibers’ diameter, density and viscosity. Tensile properties were evaluated by means of tensile test. The results were compared to standard of absorbable suture from the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). Furthermore, in vitro degradation testing was also performed for analyzing biodegradation properties. Chitosan fibers were successfully made with diameter and maximum tensile force of chitosan fibers in a range of 364 - 460μm and 5.6 - 8.3N, respectively. The results of this research pointed that adding demineralization time would increase the diameter of chitosan fiber. However, the degradation occurred in prolonged demineralization process broke the bonds within the fiber which lead to a decrease in fiber's density. It is due to the degradation of chitosan occurred during extended demineralization process, which leads to degree of crystallinity reduction. Extensive demineralization process has been found to lower fibers’ tensile strength from 80.4MPa to 38.4MPa (52.2%), but increase their biodegradability by 17% and maximum elongation from 6.9% to 16.2% (136%). Despite that extensive demineralization process lowered chitosan fiber's tensile strength, both fibers made could still fit the standard for synthetic absorbable suture from USP number 0 and 1.