Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)

. Absorbable Sutures

These sutures are designed to dissolve over time and are used when long-term strength is not needed.

• Types:
  • Catgut (Plain and Chromic): Absorbs in about 7-10 days (plain) and up to 3 weeks (chromic). Used for internal tissues, such as ligaments and fascia.
  • Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): Absorbs in 2-4 weeks. Often used in general soft tissue approximation.
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA): Absorbs in 6 months. Commonly used for orthopedic and plastic surgeries.
  • Polydioxanone (PDS): Absorbs in about 6 months. Used in soft tissue approximation, pediatric surgeries, and subcutaneous sutures.
  • Polyglactin (Vicryl): Absorbs in 60-90 days. Frequently used in gastrointestinal and gynecological surgeries.
• Uses:
  • Internal organ repair
  • Muscle and fascia closure
  • Subcutaneous tissue suturing

2. Non-Absorbable Sutures

These sutures do not dissolve and are often used when permanent tissue support is needed.

• Types:
  • Silk: High strength and elasticity, often used in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal surgeries.
  • Nylon (Ethilon): Strong but lacks elasticity, commonly used for skin closure and vessel repair.
  • Polypropylene (Prolene): Highly resistant to infection, used in cardiovascular, plastic, and general surgeries.
  • Polyester (Ethibond): Braided and used for tendon repairs, cardiovascular surgery, and orthopedics.
  • Stainless Steel: Extremely strong, used in orthopedic surgery, sternal closure, and abdominal wall repairs.
• Uses:
  • Skin closure in areas of high tension
  • Tendon and ligament repair
  • Cardiovascular and neurological surgeries

3. Monofilament Sutures

These sutures are made from a single strand, which reduces tissue drag and the risk of infection.

• Types:
  • Nylon (Ethilon)
  • Polypropylene (Prolene)
  • Polydioxanone (PDS)
• Uses:
  • Skin closure
  • Vascular surgery
  • Subcutaneous tissue suturing

4. Braided Sutures

Made from multiple fibers, braided sutures provide better knot security but may cause more tissue trauma due to friction.

• Types:
  • Polyglactin (Vicryl)
  • Polyester (Ethibond)
• Uses:
  • Muscle and fascia closure
  • Ligament repairs
  • Areas requiring high tension strength

5. Barbed Sutures

These sutures have tiny barbs that lock into the tissue and eliminate the need for knots.

• Uses:
  • Cosmetic surgeries
  • Internal tissue repair where tension distribution is needed

6. Natural Sutures

Derived from biological materials, these sutures are biodegradable but may provoke an immune response.

• Types:
  • Silk
  • Catgut
• Uses:
  • Vascular ligations
  • General soft tissue approximation

7. Synthetic Sutures

These sutures are manufactured from man-made materials, offering predictable absorption rates and minimal tissue reactions.

• Types:
  • Nylon
  • Polypropylene
  • Polyglycolic Acid
• Uses:
  • Skin closure
  • Tendon repairs
  • Subcutaneous suturing

8. Continuous vs. Interrupted Sutures

• Continuous Sutures: One long suture for the entire length of the wound. Used for long, straight incisions.
• Interrupted Sutures: Each stitch is tied off individually. Common for areas requiring precise tension distribution, like the skin.

9. Specialty Sutures

• Orthopedic Sutures: For tendon or bone repairs (Stainless Steel, Polyester).
• Cosmetic Sutures: Fine sutures like nylon or polypropylene, designed to minimize scarring.
• Vascular Sutures: Prolene is often used for vessel anastomosis in cardiovascular surgeries.

These sutures are selected based on the tissue type, required healing time, and the surgeon’s preference for optimal wound closure.