Comparison of liquid absorbtion capacity of four different suture materials

Suture materials play an important role inwound healing after surgical procedures and trauma, therefore, selection of a propersuture is very important. This location differs from other body sites due to theconstant presence of saliva, specific bacteria flora, high vascularization, as well as itsfunctions related to speech, mastication, and swallowing. The aim of this study is togive information about suture materials and to compare the liquid absorptioncapacity of same suture materials which are commonly used in oral surgery. In thisstudy, multiflament and absorbable Vicryl and PGA, multiflament andnonabsorbable black silk and monoflament and nonabsorbable Prolen suturematerials were used. Ten suture materials of each group were measured with theirdried weight. After all suture materials are submerged in artificial saliva for 7 dayswhich was prepared with the modification of Shannon?s artificial saliva formula.Every suture material was weighed daily. Measurement values were evaluatedstatistically. As a result, statistically significant differences were found among foursuture materials in terms of liquid absorption capacity (p=0,0001). Black silk wasfound to have maximum liquid absorbtion capacity. PGA, Vicryl and Prolenfollowed black silk. In conclusion, we suggest further studies about the relationsamong capillarity of suture materials, bacteria adhesion through wound, physicalstrenght of suture materials and knot integrity.Keywords: suture material, liquid absorption, physical property