Yes, Vicryl is an absorbable suture.
Vicryl (polyglactin 910) is a synthetic absorbable suture material that is completely absorbed by the body over time through hydrolysis. 1
Absorption Timeline
Vicryl is classified as a slowly absorbable suture with specific absorption characteristics:
- Half-life tensile strength: Approximately 2 weeks 2
- Complete absorption: Within 6 weeks for fine sutures (9-0,10-0) 3
- The suture maintains adequate tensile strength during the critical wound healing period before being absorbed 4
Types of Vicryl Available
There are two main formulations:
- Standard Vicryl (polyglactin 910): A slowly absorbable multifilament suture 1
- Vicryl Rapide (polyglactin 910): A rapidly absorbable version that dissolves faster 1, 5
Clinical Implications
The absorbable nature of Vicryl offers important advantages:
- No suture removal required: Eliminates the need for a follow-up procedure to remove sutures 1
- Reduced long-term complications: Unlike non-absorbable sutures, there is no persistent foreign body once absorption is complete 4
- Tissue compatibility: Shows minimal reactive processes after 42 days, with better tissue compatibility than some non-absorbable alternatives 4
Common Pitfall
While Vicryl is absorbable, standard Vicryl may occasionally require removal if unabsorbed suture material persists beyond the expected timeframe, particularly in superficial repairs 1. This is why rapidly-absorbing formulations like Vicryl Rapide may be preferred in certain settings despite higher cost 1.