There are many types of sutures and they differ by size, material and needle. I made this handy chart to help remember how long each type of material lasts in the body and what it’s commonly used for:
50% Strength | Gone | Reactivity | Use | |
Ethibond (coated polyethylene) |
indef | n/an/a | + | Tendon |
Mersilene (uncoated polyethylene) |
indef | n/a | + | Tendon |
Nylon | 20%/y | n/a | + | Skin |
Silk | 1 year | >2y | ++++ | Vessel ligation, drains |
Prolene (polypropylene) |
indef | n/a | – | Skin |
Steel | indef | n/a | – | Tendon, sternum |
Fast Gut | 6d | 20d | ++++ | Skin |
Plain Gut | 7d | 70d | ++++ | Skin |
Chromic Gut | 28d | 90d | ++++ | Oral mucosa |
Monocryl (Poliglecaprone 25) |
7d | 110d | +++ | Skin, subcuticular |
PDS (Polydioxanone) |
21d | 100d | ++ | Internal organs, fascia |
Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) |
21d | 90d | ++ | Skin, soft tissue |
Key:
* Monofilament
* Braided