Biodegradation of absorbable sutures in body fluids and pH buffers

Objective: This study measures the influence of body fluids on the loss of tensile strength of absorbable sutures in vitro. Methods: Nine synthetic absorbable sutures were incubated in different gastrointestinal fluids, as well as in blood and three buffers. Stretch tests were performed after days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Results: Tensile strength varied from 18.5 to 32.8 N, and elasticity varied from 9.5 to 51% of the initial length. The influence of pH, blood, and gastric juice was negligible on all sutures except PDS II(R). Except for Monocryl(R), all sutures, especially Polysorb(R) and Vicryl(R), lost tensile strength much faster in bile, jejunal and pancreatic juices than in the corresponding buffers. Conclusion: The biodegradation of sutures varies greatly in different body fluids independent of differences in pH. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.