Absorbable Suture Absorption Time
Absorbable sutures dissolve after loss of tensile strength followed by progressive hydrolysis or enzymatic breakdown. Complete absorption varies by suture material and formulation. [1][2][3]
Common Absorbable Suture Types and Typical Dissolution Times
- Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl, Vicryl Plus): complete absorption typically occurs between 57 and 70 days. [2]
- Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) in general reference summaries: complete hydrolysis/absorption is typically reported as ~60–90 days. [1]
- Irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide): total tensile strength loss is reported at ~14 days, with full absorption within ~40–50 days. [3]
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA; e.g., Dexon): essentially complete absorption is typically reported as between 60 and 90 days. [1]
- Chromic gut (chromic catgut): absorption is reported as complete after ~6 months (with minimal tensile strength activity until about day 90 in some summaries). [4]
Factors Affecting Real-World Dissolution Time
- Suture material and formulation (for example, standard versus faster variants) changes absorption time. [3][2]
- Tissue environment and implantation site affect degradation kinetics. [1][4]
Expected Clinical Appearance While Sutures Dissolve
- Residual suture material can remain visible while tensile strength decreases, especially for braided synthetic and natural absorbable sutures. [2][4]
When Additional Evaluation May Be Needed
- Persistent redness, increasing pain, drainage, or wound separation should prompt clinical reassessment rather than waiting for complete dissolution. [2][4]