In the social structure of the surgical sutures, all their suture types that are available on the market have different characteristics or properties as it is vital for the medical practitioners to distinguish. Two forms that are particularly used are catgut suture vs vicryl. They both serve a purpose, but understanding on which category of patients one is applicable results in better outcomes for the other. In this article we will try to focus on these two sutures, look closer into the characteristics of the desired suture for episiotomy and explain why vicryl is often preferred.
What is Catgut Suture?
Catgut sutures, contrary to their name, are not procured from cat intestines but are naturally from the fibers of sheep or cattle intestines. They are synthetic sutures that are used, mostly, in intradermal surgery. Catgut sutures’ work themselves out after some period and are useful where one would not be able to remove the suture.
Key Characteristics of Catgut Sutures
Absorbability: They are made from Catgut which degrades in the body through enzymatic absorption. They dissolve within 5-7 days for plain catgut and 10-14 days for chromic catgut; being dissolved by body fluids themselves.
Flexibility: Since it is a natural fiber, it has flexibility and this can prove elastic when handling it in the surgery.
Usage: These are ordinarily utilized in soft tissue surgery, for interior stitches, for specific sort of numerous oral as well as maxillofacial surgical operations.
While catgut sutures have been previously used most often, newer suture materials such as the vicryl have emerged and especially for specific operations such as episiotomies.
What is Vicryl?
Vicryl, another kind of suture which is recognized as polyglactin 910 is also categorized as an absorbable suture. It is braided and coated to improve its flexibility and knot retention. These sutures differ in several ways from catgut sutures since they are made from synthetic polymers; hence, little variability exists in their properties, and few patients experience allergic reactions to the product.
Key Characteristics of Vicryl Sutures
Absorbability: The Vicryl sutures degrade fairly well according to the expected time of 56-70 days; however, they provide more controlled support to the tissue as they degrade.
Tensile Strength: These sutures are appropriate for most soft tissue surgery because they retain approximately 50% of their tensile strength for postoperative 2-3 weeks.
Minimal Tissue Reaction: Vicryl sutures provoke little inflammation and that is why they are used for areas which can be sensitive like the mucous membrane.
Catgut Suture vs Vicryl: A Detailed Comparison
During the comparison of catgut suture vs vicryl, it has been noted that it depends upon the type of surgery, time required to heal and the tissue in which both are used.
- Absorbability and Degradation:
Catgut Sutures: Soak up rather rapidly, from 5 to 14 days and are not likely to be sufficient where tissues need support over an extended period.
Vicryl Sutures: The particulate form can be absorbed more predictably over a longer period (56-70 days) thus offering enhanced support to healing tissues.
- Strength and Durability:
Catgut Sutures: Have been found to disintegrate at a faster rate than the normal sutures hence, in some operations like in surgery it provides needed wound reinforcement for a long time this is a big probability.
Vicryl Sutures: Stays stronger for a longer, making them more suitable for surgeries that need a strong, permanent seal.
- Tissue Reaction:
Catgut Sutures: The catgut sutures are made from natural material and will therefore leave more tissue reactions such as inflammation and irritation.
Vicryl Sutures: Produce negligible tissue reaction than the conventional sponges, thereby making them suitable for surgeries where healing should not be complicated by excess tissue reactions.
Why Choose Vicryl for Episiotomy Over Catgut?
Looking at the comparison between catgut suture vs vicryl when it comes to the use of episiotomy, the later is more common. The vicryl suture for episiotomy offers several advantages:
Predictable Absorption: Episiotomies need a suture that should have enough strength capable of handling the perineal muscles for at least several weeks. It offers this support through its reliably constant absorption rate as indicated above of the material Vicryl.
Minimal Inflammation: In the area where episiotomies take place, that is gripping, using sutures which cause less inflammation is important for the comfort of the woman and the speed of healing. Because Vicryl is made of synthetic material the chances of reactions such as infection or irritation after surgery are minimized.
Comfort for the Patient: This suture material means that client’s comfort during and after delivery is enhanced since they do not have to be removed unlike natural suture material like catgut that may degrade quickly requiring early removal and may cause discomfort.
Why Orion Sutures should be Your Provider?
For surgical sutures, Orion Sutures has marked its authorization by evolving as a key supplier of reliable and premium sutures in the surgical market. If you are comparing catgut suture vs vicryl, or need some particular product such as vicryl suture for episiotomy, Orion Sutures provides you with the best choice for your surgical operation.
Here’s why Orion Sutures should be your top choice:
Certified Quality: All the products at Orion Sutures have the necessary certifications from FDA and ISO, assuring the customer and the surgeon for every surgery.
Wide Range of Products: Starting from catgut, to vicryl and the other products that are in the market, Orion Sutures today offers a wide choice of both absorbable and non- absorbable sutures to meet the needs of professionals in line specialties.
Affordability: Sophisticated products without a hefty price tag, Orion Sutures helps your secure product quality irrespective of the price.
Customer Support: All our team is continuously committed to offering tips on products to the healthcare professionals to ascertain the best suture is used on each patient.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Suture for Optimal Healing
Based on the findings it is clear that catgut suture vs vicryl have their benefits when used in different surgical conditions. However, where there is need for longer strength support of the wound, low tissue reactivity and predictable bio degradation, or in episiotomy, then vicryl sutures come on top.
We feel honored to present surgical instruments to surgeons that will help them achieve the best outcomes. When purchasing, for example, vicryl suture for episiotomy, our products allow us to get the best performance and achieve the best result for patients.
Visit us at Orion Sutures today if you would like to know more about our line of products or to purchase standard surgical sutures.