Surgical sutures hold tissues together, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to occur. Vicryl sutures are widely used due to their specific properties and predictable absorption. These synthetic, absorbable stitches provide temporary support during wound recovery, dissolving as the body heals.
What Are Vicryl Sutures?
Vicryl sutures are a synthetic, absorbable surgical stitch made from polyglactin 910. This material is a copolymer primarily composed of 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. The specific ratio of these components influences the suture’s degradation rate and mechanical properties.
These sutures feature a braided, multifilament structure, which contributes to their handling characteristics and knot security during surgical procedures. A coating of polyglactin 370 and calcium stearate is often applied to reduce friction as the suture passes through tissue, minimizing trauma.
Unlike non-absorbable sutures, Vicryl’s absorbable nature means it dissolves over time, making it suitable for internal closures where suture removal would be impractical. It provides necessary wound support without leaving permanent foreign material and elicits minimal tissue reaction, reducing inflammation and supporting a smoother healing process.
How Vicryl Sutures Work in Healing
The absorption of Vicryl sutures occurs through hydrolysis, where water molecules gradually break down the polymer chains of polyglactin 910. This chemical reaction degrades the suture material into glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are then naturally metabolized and eliminated by the body. This method ensures a predictable and consistent absorption rate.
Vicryl sutures provide temporary mechanical support to healing tissues. They retain a significant portion of their tensile strength during the initial, most critical phase of wound healing. Standard Vicryl retains about 75% of its tensile strength at two weeks and 50% at three weeks post-implantation, gradually losing strength thereafter. This strength profile aligns with the natural progression of wound healing.
Complete absorption of standard Vicryl sutures occurs within 56 to 70 days, or approximately 8 to 10 weeks. This timeline can vary based on the specific type of Vicryl used, the suture’s location, and individual patient factors like metabolism and tissue vascularity.
Where Vicryl Sutures Are Used
Vicryl sutures are versatile and find application across many surgical disciplines due to their absorbable nature and favorable handling properties. They are commonly used for soft tissue approximation, which involves bringing together edges of soft tissues, and for ligation, the tying off of blood vessels. Their ability to dissolve eliminates the need for suture removal, which is particularly beneficial for internal closures.
In general surgery, Vicryl sutures are employed for closing abdominal incisions and other internal wounds. Gynecological procedures, such as hysterectomies and C-sections, also rely on Vicryl for tissue closures. Ophthalmic and oral surgeries benefit from Vicryl’s smooth passage through delicate tissues and minimal tissue response.
Vicryl sutures are also used in pediatric surgery, where minimizing the need for follow-up suture removal can reduce stress for young patients. They are applicable in cosmetic and plastic surgery for careful closures that aim to reduce scarring, and in subcutaneous closures beneath the skin’s surface. While effective for a broad range of applications, Vicryl is not typically recommended for cardiovascular procedures.
What to Expect After Surgery
After surgery with Vicryl sutures, patients can expect a gradual dissolution of the stitches without the need for removal. External knots may fall off within a few weeks, while internal portions continue to dissolve. The exact timing for full absorption depends on the suture type, surgical site, and individual healing rates.
Mild redness, itching, or slight swelling around the incision site is normal as the wound heals. Patients should keep the surgical area clean and dry, following specific instructions from their healthcare provider. This often involves gently cleansing the suture line with tap water and patting it dry.
Monitor the wound for signs of complication. Increased pain, spreading redness, warmth, excessive swelling, or pus-like drainage could suggest an infection, requiring immediate contact with a doctor. Severe itching or a rash might indicate an allergic reaction, and any unexpected bleeding or wound separation also warrant medical attention.