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Absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures in microsurgery: standardized comparable studies in rats.
A Thiede1, K Lütjohann, C Beck
1Abteilung für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Klinikum der Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, West Germany.
Journal of Microsurgery
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Synthetic absorbable sutures are superior in microvascular surgery. While initially less durable under strain, they promote faster healing and reduced tissue reaction compared to nonabsorbable sutures in aortic anastomoses.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Synthetic absorbable sutures are increasingly used in surgery.
- Their long-term effects and efficacy in microvascular settings require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the applicability and value of synthetic absorbable suture materials in microvascular surgery.
- To compare absorbable sutures (polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910) with nonabsorbable sutures (polyamide) in rat aortic anastomoses.
Main Methods:
- End-to-end anastomoses of the aorta in rats using 8-0 monofilament sutures.
- Macroscopic and histological examination of anastomotic sites at various postoperative intervals.
- Assessment of mechanical endurance, tissue reaction, and healing.
Main Results:
- Absorbable sutures showed less mechanical endurance under strain but no significant difference in vivo regarding ruptures or aneurysms.
- Nonabsorbable sutures elicited granuloma formation and were visible up to 150 days.
- Absorbable sutures were barely discernible after 50 days, with minimal foreign body and scar reactions by 150 days.
Conclusions:
- Absorbable suture materials facilitate more rapid restitution of the vascular wall.
- Absorbable sutures appear superior to nonabsorbable sutures in microvascular aortic anastomoses due to better tissue integration and healing.
- Long-term observation showed no adverse events with either suture type in vivo.