Awareness of the difference between chromic catgut suture and synthetic suture during the choice of operations and tactics of their application remains crucial for the patient’s outcomes. These two types of sutures are widely used in the whole world and the differences in their features allow them to use them in the various practices.

What is Chromic Catgut?

Chromic catgut is an absorbable suture that is naturally obtained from the submucosal layer of healthy sheep or bovine intestine. The strands are treated with chromium salts to impart them with greater background of enzymatic digestion than plain catgut whereas controlling the length of the fibre.

Characteristics of Chromic Catgut:

Natural Composition: Produced from animal collagen hence it is biocompatible in nature.
Absorption Mechanism: Reduced through enzyme mediated phagocytosis and the rate of absorption is also variable.
Short-Term Support: Resists tearing for 10 – 21 days and is biologically excreted within 90 days.
Tissue Reaction: May trigger mild/moderate inflammation.

Applications:

Usually applied in tissues which have a short time to heal, for example oral mucosa, peritoneum, and other subcutaneous closures.
Commonly used in obstetrics, gynaecological operations and in general surgery.

Synthetic Sutures: What is it?

Absorbable sutures are surgically implantable polymers that are made synthetically from polyglycolic acid (PGA), polydioxanone (PDS) or polypropylene. They are intended to afford the same dependable performance and elicit the lowest response from tissues possible.

Characteristics of Synthetic Sutures:

Predictable Absorption: Ingested by hydrolysing, thus make sure the content is homogeneously degradable and not heterogeneously.
Versatile Design: It is available in absorbable or non-absorbable materials and in monofilament or braided form.
Long-Term Support: Can give tensile strength for a week to several months depending on the type of scaffold used.
Minimal Tissue Reaction: Designed purposefully to minimize inflammation and allow for problem-free healing.

Applications:

Indicated for cardiovascular, orthopaedic and gastrointestinal surgeries for patients who will need bed rest for several days.
Used in the procedures that require handling of soft tissues because they cause little inflammation.

Key differences between Chromic Catgut and Synthetic Sutures

Chromic catgut and synthetic sutures are not similar in composition, absorptive rate and functioning. Chromic catgut is a catgut that is natural suture that is made from collagen and is removed through enzymatical absorption and the time taken can be different depending on the patient. It is used for short-term wound care and well indicated with areas that have rapidly healing tissue but has a moderate level of tissue response.

Whereas, there are synthetic sutures made of polymers and are absorbed uniformly through hydrolysis. It maintains tensile strength for a longer period and gives less inflammation thus leading to predictable healing. Nonabsorbable sutures are less expensive and can be used in any operation where extended tissue support or use of fine tissues is required.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Chromic Catgut

Advantages:

Completely biocompatible and biodegradable which means that it can be used in tissues that are rapidly healing.
Available for cheap and easily accessible in many parts of the world.
Offers appropriate and acceptable temporary wound care.

Limitations:

This means that if the absorbency rates change; the wound support offered will also fluctuate.
Mild tissue reaction may result in inflammation or irritation.
It has a small life expectancy hence not recommendable for long term use.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Synthetic Sutures

Advantages:

Designed for repeatable absorption rate and to retain tensile strength throughout its life.
Made in a number of forms depending on the requirements of a procedure.
That is why minimum tissue aftermath leads to faster and less complicated healing.
Robust and accurate, with the added advantage of being able to accommodate long term use conditions.

Limitations:

It is more expensive than chromic catgut.
This technique may not be appropriate to practice in the setting of restricted resources or where natural suture is desirable.

Why Go for Orion Sutures?

At Orion Sutures we value the need to provide varied types of quality sutures to suit different surgeries. For the 30+ years of our existence, we have been a reliable ally of healthcare professionals in 63 countries offering dependable solutions that guarantee patients’ safety and the finest surgery imaginable.

We supply and offer chromic catgut suture and synthetic sutures made from chromic catgut produced under high-intensity quality control following international quality policies. This means, every time you decide to use products that are manufactured by Orion Sutures you can be guaranteed of the performance as well as the outcome of your patients.

Check our sutures selection and embrace the difference Orion makes.

Difference Between Chromic Catgut and Synthetic Sutures