Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Sutures: Key Differences
I. Absorbable vs Non Absorbable Sutures: Understanding Absorbable Sutures
- Hook: Suture selection is not an afterthought; it is a fundamental decision impacting wound healing, infection risk, and cosmetic outcome.
- Core Difference: Introduce the fundamental distinction: the mechanism and duration of persistence in the tissue.
- Goal: This article clarifies the mechanics, materials, and applications of both categories to inform optimal surgical planning.
II. Absorbable vs Non Absorbable Sutures: Long-Term Support and Stability
- Definition: These materials are designed to provide temporary support until the wound achieves sufficient intrinsic strength, then harmlessly dissolve.
- How Absorbable Sutures Degrade Compared to Non Absorbable Sutures:
- Hydrolysis (Synthetic): The most common method for modern synthetic absorbables (e.g., Vicryl, PDS). Water molecules penetrate the suture structure, breaking polymer chains. This is a predictable, low-reaction process.
- Enzymatic Breakdown (Natural): Used for materials like surgical gut (catgut). Enzymes attack the protein structure. This process is less predictable and can cause more tissue reaction.
- Key Characteristics & Timeline:
- Tensile Strength Loss: Explain that the suture loses strength before it is fully absorbed. Example: Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) loses most strength in 2-3 weeks, but full absorption takes 60-90 days.
- Materials & Use Cases:
- Rapidly Absorbed: Mucosal or superficial closure.
- Intermediate/Long-Term: Fascia or deep dermal layers where support is needed for several weeks. (e.g., PDO/PDS for longer strength retention).
III. Absorbable vs Non Absorbable Sutures: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Definition: These materials are intended to remain in the body permanently or must be manually removed. They provide long-term, lasting support.
- When Permanent Support is Necessary: Used where biological tissue is slow to heal, subject to constant stress, or when closing an artificial material (e.g., prosthetic valves, mesh).
- Key Characteristics & Material Considerations:
- Biologically Inert: Focus on materials like Polypropylene and Nylon, which elicit minimal tissue reaction.
- High Knot Security: Essential for maintaining closure integrity under tension.
- Materials & Use Cases:
- Monofilament (e.g., Polypropylene): Cardiovascular and vascular surgery due to smooth passage and minimal thrombogenicity.
- Braided (e.g., Silk): Excellent handling and knot security, often used for ligatures, but must be used carefully due to capillary action/potential for infection nidus.
| Feature | Absorbable Sutures | Non-Absorbable Sutures |
| Duration of Support | Temporary (Days to Months) | Permanent/Long-Term |
| Removal Required | No (Except for surface knots) | Yes (If used superficially) |
| Tissue Reaction | Generally higher (during degradation) | Generally lower (inert materials) |
| Infection Risk | Low (due to eventual elimination) | Risk of chronic sinus tract if left deep |
| Primary Use | Internal tissues, subcutaneous layers | Skin, Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Prosthetics |
V. Choosing Between Absorbable vs Non Absorbable Sutures
- Decision Guideline: The selection must align the suture’s loss of tensile strength profile with the expected healing time of the specific tissue layer.
- Call to Action: Consult manufacturer technical data for precise degradation curves and lot-specific material characteristics.
For more technical details about our Sutures, Please check our Products Catalog
*Please Note: this article is for educational purposes only and not to be used for any Realtime procedures or medical operations without consulting a physician, doctor or Surgeon.