Sutures, commonly known as stitches, hold tissues together after an injury or surgery. They help close wounds, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged areas. Many wonder if specific kinds, like those that appear purple, are designed to dissolve naturally within the body.
Understanding Purple Sutures
Many purple sutures are designed to dissolve, making them a type of absorbable stitch. The distinctive purple color in these sutures is due to a dye, such as D&C Violet No. 2, which is added during manufacturing. This coloration enhances the suture’s visibility against internal tissues during surgical procedures, making it easier for surgeons to place them accurately.
The material commonly used for these purple, absorbable sutures is polyglactin 910, often recognized by its brand name, Vicryl. This synthetic material is favored in many surgical settings because of its predictable absorption profile. The color itself does not dictate whether a suture is absorbable, but rather indicates the specific material type, which in the case of polyglactin 910, is engineered for absorption.
The Process of Dissolution
Absorbable sutures, including the purple variety, dissolve within the body through a biological process called hydrolysis. This process involves water molecules within the body gradually breaking down the long chains of the suture material into smaller, biocompatible molecules. These smaller components are then safely metabolized and eliminated by the body’s natural waste disposal systems.
The rate at which a suture dissolves depends on several factors, including the specific material it is made from, its thickness or size, and the location of the wound in the body. For instance, polyglactin 910 sutures, commonly purple, lose their tensile strength—the ability to hold tissue together—within two to three weeks. Complete absorption of these sutures occurs over a period of 56 to 70 days.
Other absorbable materials, such as polydioxanone (PDS), can take even longer to fully dissolve, sometimes up to six months. This controlled dissolution ensures that the suture provides support during the initial healing phase, then gradually disappears as the tissue gains strength. The body’s ability to safely process these byproducts is an advantage of using absorbable sutures.
Caring for Dissolvable Sutures
When you have dissolvable sutures, expect them to gradually disappear as your body absorbs them. Sometimes, small pieces of the suture material might come off as the wound heals, which is a normal part of the dissolution process. Keep the wound area clean and dry to promote proper healing and prevent complications.
Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions tailored to your wound, which might include gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water. Avoid picking at the sutures or the healing wound, as this can disrupt the healing process or introduce infection. Allowing the sutures to dissolve naturally without interference helps ensure optimal wound closure.
While dissolvable sutures are designed to be absorbed, monitor the wound for any signs that might require medical attention. These signs include increased redness, swelling, pus-like discharge, worsening pain, or a fever. If the sutures appear to come out much earlier than expected or if the wound reopens, contact your healthcare provider promptly for assessment and guidance.