[Suture material in vaginal hysterectomy]

In order to find the best suture material to use for vaginal hysterectomies, we examined the tensile strength, stretchability and contractibilty of suture materials such as silk, chromic and plain catgut, and dexon under both wet and dry conditions. We also observed the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage, granulation and healing of the vaginal stump. Under dry conditions, the tensile strength, stretchability and contractibility was greatest in No. 3 plain catgut. (plain catgut greater than chromic catgut greater than dexon or silk) Under wet conditions, the tensile strength was not so changed, but the stretchability of catgut and silk was increased and that of dexon was low and unchanged. The contractibility of all types of suture material was increased. Silk had low tensile strength, was not absorbable and became an infectious foreign body. Dexon had low stretchability and tended to result in postoperative hemorrhage. Chromic catgut was frequently found to cause infectious granulation and postoperative hemorrhage in the vaginal stump. Plain catgut was easily absorbed and had the greatest tensile strength and stretchability. Plain catgut was considered to be the most suitable suture material for vaginal hysterectomy.