The effect of new monofilament absorbable sutures on the healing of musculoaponeurotic incisions, gastrotomies, and colonic anastomoses
P. A. Foresman, R. F. Edlich and G. T. Rodeheaver
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
The purpose of this study was to quantitate the effect of two new synthetic
monofilament absorbable sutures, Maxon and PDS, on the healing of
musculoaponeurotic incisions, gastrotomies, and colonic anastomoses. Wound
healing was assessed by measuring the resistance of the closed wound to
leak or burst with controlled infusion of fluid. Bursting strength
measurements of these incisions were compared with those undertaken in
age-weight matched controls without wounds to determine the rate of gain of
wound strength. The bursting strength measurements of unwounded tissue was
found to vary according to the age, weight, and specific tissue. As the
animals gained weight over 42 days, the bursting strength of their colons
and musculoaponeurotic tissues significantly increased. In general, the
regain of prewounding bursting strength was inversely proportional to the
bursting strength of the unwounded tissue. The bursting strength of
abdominal musculoaponeurotic tissue was the highest, followed by the
stomach and then the colon. The time intervals in which the wounded
musculoaponeurotic tissues, gastrotomies, and colonic anastomoses regained
the strength of the unwounded tissue was 42, 14, and 7 days, respectively.
The performance of Maxon and PDS sutures in the musculoaponeurotic tissues,
gastrotomies, and colonic anastomoses was similar.
