Absorbable
Absorbable sutures were introduced in the 1970s.
Absorbable sutures are available in monofilament or braided (multifilament) form. The absorbable sutures used nowadays are mainly of synthetic origin.
Their absorption time varies from short-term (approx. 50 days) through mid-term (60 to 90 days) and long-term (180 to 210 days) to extra-long-term (390 days).
Absorption profile in use
| Absorbable sutures | Indications |
| Short-term | Fast-healing tissues (skin, mucosa), episiotomy |
| Mid-term | Soft tissue approximation: general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, ophthalmology, gynaecology |
| Long-term | Vascular surgery, abdominal wall closure, orthopaedics |
| Extra-long-term | Abdominal wall closure, difficult healing |
B. Braun offers a large choice of absorbable sutures (monofilament and braided).
Improvements have been made within the range of synthetic monofilament sutures with regard to increased physiology and tolerance.
For abdominal wall closure, B. Braun has created Monomax®, a special, extra-long-term absorbable suture. The special requisites involved in abdominal wall healing were taken into account when developing this innovative thread.
In cases where removal of the stitches may be painful or difficult, or when only short-term support is required, fast-absorption sutures such as Monosyn® Quick or Safil® Quick are indicated. [1]
Non-Absorbable
Historically, non-absorbable sutures have played an important role in the development of surgical procedures.
The severity of local reactions generated by some of them, has fastened the development of absorbable sutures. [2]
They are, nevertheless, still used in some cases, particularly in cardiovascular surgery. As they remain in the body permanently, non-absorbable sutures offer long-term support.
They are made from physico-chemically stable materials.
If used in superficial tissue these sutures have to be removed. Non-absorbable sutures can be of natural, metal or synthetic origin.
Armed
A suture is a device that combines a thread attached to one or more needles, and there are many variations depending on the configuration of the needle-thread combination.
The classic combination consists of a thread and a single needle; this is called simply a single-armed suture.
A double-armed suture consists of a thread with a needle at each end; this type is used for special indications (e.g. vascular anastomosis).
[1] Hochberg J, Meyer KM, Marion MD.; Suture Choice and Other Methods on Skin Closure; Surg Clin North Am. 2009 Jun;89(3):627-41.
[2] Bourne RB, Bitar H, Andreae PR, Martin LM, Finlay JB, Marquis F.; In-vivo comparison of four absorbable sutures: Vicryl, Dexon Plus, Maxon and PDS; Can J Surg. 1988 Jan;31(1):43-5.