Histology and fertility effects of polydioxanone on rat reproductive tissue

This prospective study compares the histology and fertility effects of the microsuture polydioxanone to nylon and polyglactin-910. Twelve rats underwent uterine horn microroeanatomoses with nylon (6 right horns), polyglactin-910 (6 right horns), and polydioxanone (12 left horns). After mating, there were no significant differences in gestational implantations or adhesions per uterine horn. Postoperative histologic evaluation of nylon showed persistent histiocytic reaction and fibrosis, occasional giant cells, and suture persistence at 100 days. Polyglactin-910 had initial histiocytic responses, no giant cells or fibrosis, and was resorbed by 60 days. Polydioxanone had initial histiocytic reaction and giant cells, no fibrosis, and was resorbed by 100 days. Our findings, and a review of the literature, confirmed mixed histologic reactions but no difference in fertility with these three microsutures. Because of its low reactivity and great strength, polydioxanone may be a good alternative suture material in reproductive microsurgery.