Is Vicryl (polyglactin 910) an absorbable suture?

Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) is an Absorbable Suture

Yes, Vicryl (polyglactin 910) is definitively an absorbable suture material. 1, 2

Characteristics of Vicryl as an Absorbable Suture

Vicryl is a synthetic absorbable suture made from polyglactin 910, which has the following properties:

• Structure: Available as a braided (multifilament) construction 3
• Composition: Made from 90:10 poly(glycolide-co-L(-)-lactide) 3
• Absorption profile: Slowly absorbable, which is preferred over rapidly absorbable sutures for wound closure 4
• Variants: Also available as Vicryl Rapide, which is a rapidly dissolving synthetic suture 1

Clinical Properties and Performance

Vicryl demonstrates several important clinical characteristics:

• Tensile strength: High tensile strength comparable to or superior to other synthetic non-absorbable suture materials 2
• Tissue reaction: No unfavorable wound reaction has been registered 2
• Absorption: Complete absorption occurs over time
• Handling: When coated, Vicryl has improved handling properties, making passage through tissue easier 5

Comparison with Other Absorbable Sutures

Vicryl is one of several absorbable suture options:

• Other absorbable multifilament options:

  • Dexon (polyglycolic acid) 1, 3

• Absorbable monofilament options:

  • Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25) 1, 3
  • PDS II (p-dioxanone homopolymer) 3
  • Maxon (polyglyconate) 1, 3

Clinical Applications

According to current guidelines, Vicryl is commonly used in:

• Perineal laceration repairs, particularly second-degree lacerations 1
• General surgery applications 2
• Ophthalmologic procedures 6
• Aesthetic plastic surgery 7

Important Considerations

• Suture selection: When choosing between absorbable suture materials, slowly absorbable sutures (like standard Vicryl) are generally preferred over rapidly absorbable ones for wound closure 1, 4
• Monofilament vs. multifilament: While Vicryl is a multifilament (braided) suture, monofilament sutures may be preferred in some situations as they cause less bacterial seeding and may be less likely to cause infection 1
• Coated vs. uncoated: Coated Vicryl sutures have improved handling properties and ease of passage through tissue 5

Potential Pitfalls

• Braided sutures like Vicryl may have concerns related to tissue drag and potential for infection through the interstices of the braid structure 3
• Standard synthetic sutures like Vicryl may occasionally require removal of unabsorbed suture material 1
• Rapidly absorbing variants (Vicryl Rapide) may be preferred in certain situations despite higher cost due to lower need for postpartum suture removal 1