Objective: Four different braided absorbable surgical materials (Dexon, Dexon II Bicolor, Vicryl and Polysorb) 2/0 USP, which basically share the same indications, were studied in vitro and in vivo with regard to their physical properties as well as tissue compatibility and surgical handling. Analyzing the results the authors tried to determine the most useful suture in surgical practice.
Method: Physical tests to determine tensile strength, knot-breaking strength and knot security were carried out. Additionally an in vivo model (Wistar rat) was used to compare histocompatibility and loss of function due to hydrolytic resorption. Furthermore, a handling test was carried out by trained surgeons.
Results: Polysorb had the highest linear tensile strength but also the fastest loss of function following tissue implantation, whereas Vicryl showed the slowest loss of function. Similar results were obtained with regard to the knot-breaking strength. After pulsatile stressing Dexon II Bicolor and Dexon showed the highest irreversible elongation followed by Vicryl and Polysorb. Polysorb had the best knotting characteristics, scoring highest also in the handling study.
Conclusions: The authors conclude that with Polysorb all features and properties of braided suture material have reached a high level of quality. This suture combines the positive characteristics of monofilament with those of multifilament materials, thus coming closest to being the 'optimal suture'.