What is the typical absorption rate of dissolvable (absorbable) sutures, such as Vicryl (polyglactin 910) and Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25), inside the body?

Absorption Time of Dissolvable Sutures Inside the Body

Dissolvable sutures have varying absorption rates, with standard synthetic sutures like polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) taking 60-90 days to fully absorb, while rapidly dissolving versions like Vicryl Rapide absorb within 42 days, and monofilament poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) completes absorption between 91-119 days. 1, 2

Types of Absorbable Sutures and Their Absorption Rates

Different absorbable suture materials have distinct absorption profiles:

Standard Synthetic Sutures

• Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl): Standard multifilament suture that maintains approximately 50-75% of tensile strength after 1 week 1
• Polyglycolic acid (Dexon): Similar absorption profile to standard Vicryl

Rapidly Dissolving Synthetic Sutures

• Vicryl Rapide (irradiated polyglactin 910): Designed for faster absorption, particularly useful in situations where suture removal would be challenging 1

Monofilament Sutures

• Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl): Provides 20-30% in vivo breaking strength retention after 2 weeks with complete absorption between 91-119 days 2
• Polydioxanone (PDS II): Longer-lasting monofilament with extended absorption time
• Polyglyconate (Maxon): Another slowly absorbing monofilament option

Factors Affecting Absorption Rate

The absorption rate of dissolvable sutures is influenced by several factors:

• Suture material: Different polymers have inherently different degradation rates
• Suture construction: Monofilament sutures generally have different absorption profiles compared to multifilament/braided sutures 1, 2
• Tissue environment: Absorption may be faster in areas with higher blood flow or moisture
• Patient factors: Individual metabolism, infection, and inflammation can affect absorption rates

Clinical Considerations for Suture Selection

When selecting absorbable sutures, consider:

• Wound healing time: For critical wound healing periods (approximately 2 weeks), choose sutures that maintain adequate tensile strength during this period 2
• Infection risk: Monofilament sutures cause less bacterial seeding and may be less likely to cause infection compared to multifilament sutures 1
• Tissue reaction: Some sutures like poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) demonstrate less inflammatory response and more rapid organization of connective tissue 3

Practical Applications

• For facial wounds where cosmetic outcome is important, both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures produce similar long-term cosmetic results 4
• For perineal repairs, rapidly-absorbing sutures may be preferred despite higher cost because they reduce the need for suture removal 1
• For oral implant surgery, fast-absorbable sutures like irradiated polyglactin 910 can be used without affecting early implant failure rates, though adding interrupted "security sutures" is recommended when using continuous suture techniques 5

Comparative Strength Retention

• Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25) provides approximately 20-30% breaking strength retention after 2 weeks 2
• Standard synthetic sutures like Vicryl retain approximately 50-75% of their original tensile strength after 1 week in situ 1

The extended support provided by slowly absorbable sutures may be beneficial in preventing wound dehiscence compared to rapidly absorbing alternatives or non-absorbable sutures that require removal after 7-9 days 1.