Surgical procedures often require the closure of tissues to facilitate proper healing. One of the most common tools for this purpose is the Vicryl suture, a type of surgical thread designed to be absorbed by the body over time. This eliminates the need for a follow-up procedure to remove the stitches, making it a convenient option for both surgeons and patients.
What Vicryl Sutures Are Made Of
Vicryl sutures are synthetic, made from man-made materials rather than natural fibers. Their primary component is a copolymer called polyglactin 910, which is created from 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. The structure of a Vicryl suture is braided, which gives it strength and makes it easier for surgeons to handle and tie secure knots.
To enhance their performance, these braided sutures are given a special coating made of equal parts polyglactin 370 and calcium stearate. The main function of this layer is to reduce friction, allowing the suture to pass through delicate tissues with minimal drag, which helps minimize tissue trauma during the stitching process.
The Suture Absorption Timeline
The body breaks down Vicryl sutures through a chemical process known as hydrolysis. This occurs as the suture material reacts with water in the body’s tissues, gradually breaking the polymer chains into smaller, absorbable molecules. This process is gentle and causes minimal tissue reaction.
There are two timelines to consider regarding the suture’s function. The first is its loss of tensile strength, which is the ability to hold tissue together. A standard coated Vicryl suture retains approximately 75% of its initial strength after two weeks, and by three weeks post-implantation, this figure drops to about 50%. The second timeline is for the complete absorption of the suture’s mass, which takes between 56 and 70 days.
Common Uses in Medical Procedures
Vicryl sutures are widely used for general soft tissue approximation and ligation (the tying off of blood vessels). They are frequently employed to close deeper layers of tissue beneath the skin, such as in abdominal surgeries or Cesarean sections. Their use is also common in gynecological and orthopedic procedures for repairing soft tissues.
These sutures are also found in more delicate surgeries, including ophthalmic (eye) procedures. The material’s smooth coating and minimal tissue reaction make it suitable for these sensitive areas. However, Vicryl sutures are not used in cardiovascular or neurological procedures, as these tissues require different types of support, often from non-absorbable or longer-lasting absorbable sutures.
Potential Reactions and Wound Care
While the body is designed to absorb Vicryl sutures, it sometimes treats them as a foreign object to be expelled. This can result in “spitting sutures,” where a small piece of the dissolving stitch is pushed out through the skin. This often looks like a small pimple or a piece of fishing line emerging from the incision and is not a cause for alarm. True allergic reactions to the suture material are uncommon, but minor local inflammation can occur as part of the natural absorption process.
Proper wound care is important while the sutures are in place. Keeping the incision area clean and dry helps prevent infection and supports the healing process. If a suture does “spit,” you may be able to gently pull it out with sterilized tweezers, but if it resists, contact a healthcare provider. It is also important to monitor the site for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, significant redness, swelling, or discharge, which require medical attention.