DIFFERENT SUTURE MATERIALS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON TISSUE HEALING

DIFFERENT SUTURE MATERIALS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON TISSUE HEALING

Cell proliferation, inflammation, matrix deposition, and tissue remodeling are simultaneous and well-organized processes in wound repair. During the wound repair process, tissue integrity is provided with tissue approximation which is maintained by sutures. Successful surgical procedure is affected by correct stabilization and closure of surgical wounds.Tensile strength, ease to use and suitability to form secure knots are the essential requirements for an ideal suture. In addition, it should neither cause major tissue inflammation nor promote infection.

The choice of sutures that are appropriate to the wound and wound area is crucial for better healing of scar tissue, but so far not a single suture that encompasses all of these features. Although permanent scarring and cosmetically defected results are major problems in some surgeries, these problems can be overcome by proper suturing techniques. It is clear that an ideal suture material will vary according to the clinical situation in which it will be used. Low immunogenicity, tissue support and sufficient tissue approximation are essential parameters that defines an ideal suture material.

In many studies, the effects of different suture materials on soft tissue healing were compared histopathologically with the density of cells, fibrosis, necrosis, foreign body reaction, presence of acute and chronic infection cells; however, statistically significant difference was not observed between different product groups. Nevertheless, there are differences in the physical and chemical properties of the suture materials. These differences in the properties of the suture materials customize sutures for clinical conditions. Patient-related factors, type of surgery and tissue quality are important to choose suitable suture material.