PDS Sutures Do Dissolve Through Hydrolysis
Yes, PDS (Polydioxanone) sutures completely dissolve through a process of hydrolysis in the body. PDS is a synthetic absorbable monofilament suture material that provides extended support before being completely absorbed 1.
Dissolution Timeline and Characteristics
- PDS sutures retain approximately 58% of their tensile strength at 4 weeks and 14% at 8 weeks 1
- Complete absorption occurs between 130-180 days (approximately 4-6 months) 2
- The dissolution occurs through simple hydrolysis, a process where water gradually breaks down the polymer structure 1
Advantages of PDS Sutures
- Extended Support: PDS provides longer-lasting wound support compared to other absorbable sutures 3
- Minimal Tissue Reaction: Elicits lower inflammatory response than many other suture materials 1
- Monofilament Structure: Being a monofilament suture, PDS has less bacterial seeding and reduced infection risk 4
- Flexibility: Has greater pliability than polypropylene while maintaining excellent strength 1
Clinical Applications
PDS sutures have demonstrated efficacy in various surgical applications:
- Cardiovascular Surgery: Successfully used in vascular anastomoses with no complications during 3-6 month follow-up periods 5
- General Surgery: Rated as significantly superior to gut sutures in clinical evaluations 3
- Ophthalmic Surgery: Effective in cataract procedures with the benefit of not requiring removal 2
- Abdominal Surgery: Used in single-layer closure of subcostal incisions with low complication rates 6
Important Considerations
- When using PDS for fascial closure in abdominal surgery, studies show no significant effect of triclosan coating on surgical site infection rates (OR 0.85; CI 0.61–1.17) 7
- For oral mucosa repair, other options like monofilament non-absorbable sutures may be preferred according to guidelines 4
- PDS has been used successfully in pleurodesis procedures with a recommended rest period of 3-4 weeks before reinitiating peritoneal dialysis 7
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Tension Application: Excessive tension during suturing can lead to tissue necrosis and poor healing outcomes 4
- Premature Loading: Despite its strength, avoid excessive mechanical stress on PDS sutures before adequate healing has occurred
- Confusion with Non-Absorbable Sutures: Unlike permanent sutures, PDS will completely dissolve and does not require removal
PDS sutures represent a reliable absorbable option that balances extended support with eventual complete dissolution, making them particularly valuable for tissues requiring longer healing periods.