Suture materials like dissolvable stitches or absorbable sutures consist of special threads usually used on the skin, which are metabolized and dissolved by the body. Compared to the other forms of stitches that have to be removed by the concerned surgeon, dissolvable stitches are unique in that they dissolve on their own; hence there is no need to make arrangements to remove them after a specific time.

Dissolvable stitches are critical for anyone undergoing surgery or receiving wound treatment. Thus, understanding how they work, what they are made of, and their lifespan can assist with correct wound treatment and decrease the chances of adverse effects.

What Are Dissolvable Stitches?

These are dissolvable stitches called absorbable sutures, medical threads for closing specific wounds, or operative sites. Dissolvable sutures are unique and do not have to be removed by a surgeon, as they are designed to disintegrate in the human body over time. The body metabolizes the material used to make the stitches, and they disappear entirely independently.

Comparison with Non-Dissolvable Stitches:

Dissolvable Stitches: They are made from polyglycolic acid, polyglactin, or other biodegradable (nonabsorbable) polymers. They are mainly used for internal injuries, such as organ, tissue, or deep derma surgeries. The first benefit of dissolvable stitches is that the patient does not need to visit the doctor for suture removal, saving a lot of money.

Non-Dissolvable Stitches: Other non-absorbable sutures are made from nylon, silk, and polypropylene. These stitches are treasured when one has an open injury on the outer part of the body or requires help for quite some time. Although powerful and long-lasting in closing the wound, they must be removed using tweezers after the wound has effectively healed. Such removal is painful and may involve a visit to the doctor.

Materials Used in Dissolvable Stitches

Dissolvable sutures are made from materials the human body can dissolve on its own over a certain period. These polymeric materials are selected for their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and capacity for promoting tissue regeneration while degrading. Some of the most familiar materials incorporated in dissolvable stitches are polyglycolic acid, polyglactin, polydioxanone, and poliglecaprone.

Overview of Common Materials:

Polyglycolic Acid:

Another artificial and biodegradable material is polyglycolic acid, used in dissolvable sutures. It also has a great deal of tensile strength to some extent, as it consists of pulling the wound edges tightly to facilitate the early stage of healing. PGA suture absorption lasts between 60 and 90 days. Both are applied to internal body tissues such as gynecological or gastrovascular surgery.

Polyglactin:

Polyglactin is also commonly used as poliglecaprone. Consequently, the most commonly used type in wound care is the polyglactin suture, which can be used in intra- and extra-ocular surgery. It is flexible and soft, so that patients will prefer it. Polyglactin sutures are removed at 56-70 days after surgery, depending on the material used to manufacture the suture.

Polydioxanone:

Polydioxanone is a monofilament polymer and thus has a fairly high tensile strength. This is mostly applied where the application takes long and is repetitive such as cardiovascular or abdominal or any application that may be expected to take several hours. Even polydioxanone sutures, which are said to have a slow absorption rate, take at least 180 to 210 days to be absorbed. They are also less easy to heal and take longer to heal, thus providing an extended duration of support for wounds, which is vital in certain situations.

Poliglecaprone:

Poliglecaprone has a high degree of flexibility and induces negligible tissue reaction or response. Sutures made from poliglecaprone are used to suture tissues in the human body and ligation. Depending on the type, they dissolve quickly and last between 80 and 120 days. However, poliglecaprone is suitable for skin surface closure or any internal tissues and has relatively high healing indexes.

Benefits of Using These Materials: 

Biocompatibility:

The materials incorporated in dissolvable stitches are biocompatible, free from adverse effects on the human body, and cause minimal inflammation. This can help avoid the formation of keloid or other forms of hypertrophic scars, giving the patients a smooth healing process.

Predictable Absorption:

Depending on the location, these can be set to break down at a specific rate, enabling doctors to select the correct suture for the right injury. For instance, poliglecaprone is rapidly absorbed and may be used on shallow wounds. In contrast, polydioxanone, which may take longer to dissolve, is used where support is needed for an extended period.

Strength and Flexibility:

Sutures used in dissolvable form provide the proper strength to close the wound's edges and the proper elasticity to allow movements and tissue expansion. This balance assures an efficient healing process while avoiding the patient's discomfort.

Reduced Need for Follow-Up Procedures:

Since dissolvable stitches do not require a separate procedure to remove them, they are convenient to use and lessen the number of visits to the hospital or clinic. This not only translates to time and cost savings on the part of the healthcare providers but also less discomfort for the patients and fewer chances of getting infected when the suture is removed.

How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Last?

Dissolvable sutures are designed to disintegrate within the human body. Depending on the type of material a surgeon uses, such sutures may remain in the body for several months. Sutures are intended to give an injury a certain amount of support as it heals, then dissolve and otherwise be expelled from the body. Thus, the time it takes for dissolvable stitches to dissolve will depend on the kind of material used, its location, and the kind of injury that has been sewn.

General Duration of Dissolvable Stitches: General Duration of Dissolvable Stitches:

Normal dissolvable stitches stay in for several days and can be up to months. Here is a general breakdown based on common materials:

Poliglecaprone: The sutures approximate skin and other fast-healing internal tissues. Most begin breaking up in 7 to 14 days and dispersing in body tissue within 90 to 120 days.

Polyglactin: These are universal suture methods for open internal and external injuries. They usually degrade within 2-3 weeks and start showing a tendency to lose tensile strength and fully disintegrate within 56 to 70 days.

Polyglycolic Acid: This is used in many surgical procedures. The strength is optimal for 2 to 4 weeks. It is normally completely absorbed in 60 to 90 days.

Polydioxanone: Suture methods used in conditions requiring long-length reinforcement are those employed in cardiovascular and abdominal surgeries. Protein gel particles remain intact for several weeks, whereas the elimination of peptides may be possible after 180 to 210 days.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Dissolvable Stitches:

Several factors can influence how long dissolvable stitches last before they dissolve:

Material Type: Type of stitch formed also plays a factor in durability. Some of these materials, such as poliglecaprone, are absorbable while others, like polydioxanone, are used in places that take a little longer to heal and should remain in the body longer.

Wound Location: The placing of stitches will also determine the time in the body part or the period that stitches will be retained in the body part. They absorb much faster in places with good circulation, and thus stitches in the face or the head, for example, may take a shorter period to be absorbed due to the rate of metabolism in those tissues. On the other hand, the normal circulations through other body parts, such as tendons and joints, are poor and usually take time to dissolve.

Surgery Type: The wound or surgery used will determine the type of dissolvable stitches applied. The time it takes for dissolvable stitches to dissolve depends on the type of stitches used on a patient. For example, patients who need more support will have to use sutures that take a little longer to become biocomposites, as they can hold the closure for a longer period during the healing process.

Patient Health: Dissolvable stitches depend upon the nature of the human body. That includes health, age, and the patient's healing ability. Patients with high metabolisms can be sent home early and have their stitches removed. But slow healers may need more time.

Environmental Factors: Other things to be considered are the external factors. Conditions in moist, hot, or chemical environments also sometimes define the rate at which those dissolvable stitches degrade. Subcuticular sutures that come in contact with moisture, like inside the mouth or around the mucus membrane, will degrade quicker than in other parts of the body.

Proper Care And Complications for Dissolvable Stitches

Dissolvable stitches are made to break down in your body to help and encourage the healing stage. Knowing and understanding possible issues is vital to ensuring they dissolve correctly and speeding up the healing process.

Proper Care:

Keep the Wound Area Clean:

Keeping the area around dissolvable stitches clean is crucial to prevent infection and promote proper healing. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for cleaning the wound, which may involve gently washing the area with mild soap and water and patting it dry with a clean towel.

Avoid Excessive Moisture:

While it’s essential to keep the wound clean, prolonged exposure to water, such as soaking in baths or swimming, can weaken the stitches and slow the healing process. Stick to quick showers and carefully dry the wound area afterward.

Protect the Wound:

Keep the area covered with a sterile bandage only if your healthcare provider instructs you to. This can be particularly important if the wound is found in an area prone to friction, irritation, and dirt. Also, remember to change the bandage as frequently as directed and maintain a clean and dry wound.

Monitor Activity Levels:

Depending on where the dissolvable stitches are applied, you may have to pause some of your physical activities, such as lifting anything heavy, stretching, or exercising too hard. Avoid activities that might cause the stitches to get pulled out or cause the wound to unravel. It is also advisable to follow the timeframe of activities your healthcare provider suggests.

Follow-Up Appointments:

Follow up with your doctor for your appointments. This way, they can review the healing state of the wound and ensure that the stitches are dissolving just as expected. This is vital when early intervention by your provider is needed if there is a problem.

Signs of Complications or Issues:

While dissolvable stitches are generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of complications:

Redness and Swelling:

Some degree of redness and swelling of the stitches is expected during the healing process. However, if the redness spreads, becomes intense, or becomes warm in the area, this could indicate an infection.

Persistent Pain:

It is normal to experience some mild discomfort when a wound is healing; however, continued pain or increased pain around your stitches could indicate an infection or that the stitches are not dissolving correctly.

Pus or Discharge:

Finding pus, discharge, or a foul smell from the wound may indicate an infection. Should any of these be present, immediately refer it to a physician.

Non-Absorbable Sutures:

Some stitches may not dissolve as quickly as expected and must be removed. If you suspect your stitches have not dissolved within the expected time or are causing irritation, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Fever:

A fever may mean your body is fighting an infection, and it could be related to the wound or stitches. If you have a fever, especially with increasing pain, redness, or any other symptom found in the wound, notify your doctor.

Conclusion

Dissolvable stitches can close wounds and do not require further action, like removal or prioritizing the patient’s comfort. They are made of polyglycolic acid or polyglactin and will dissolve on their own. Care must be taken to ensure patients have clean wounds and do not have complications such as fever to ensure the stitches dissolve as they should and aid in the process of recovery and healing.