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 1 week or 3 months.

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 1 week and 3 months.