Comparison of Poliglecaprone-25 and Polyglactin-910 in Cutaneous Surgery

Background Few clinical studies have compared deep absorbable sutures. Poliglecaprone-25 and polyglactin-910 are two of the most commonly used absorbable sutures in cutaneous surgery. Objectives To compare the rate of suture extrusion, degree of lumpiness, and appearance of scars from wounds closed with poliglecaprone-25 and polyglactin-910. Methods Poliglecaprone-25 or polyglactin-910 was used for closure of the deep part of Mohs defects. The number of extruded sutures and the number of lumps were recorded at each follow-up visit. Photographs of 1-week and 3-month postoperative scars were rated on a visual analogue scale. Results One hundred forty patients completed the study. There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of extruded sutures between poliglecaprone-25 (3.1%) and polyglactin-910 (11.4%) (p<.01). There was not a statistically significant difference in the percentage of lumps (both 22%) or overall appearance of scars at 1week or 3months. Conclusion Poliglecaprone-25 resulted in significantly less extruded sutures than did polyglactin-910, although both resulted in the same degree of lumpiness and similar-appearing scars at 1week and 3months.