Usefulness of Irradiated Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) for Skin Suturing during Surgery for Lateral Ray Polydactyly of the Toes in Children

Abstract

Background:This study describes the use of a bioabsorbable suture for skin suturing during surgery for lateral ray polydactyly followed by favorable postoperative outcome without the need for postoperative suture removal.Methods:A 5-0 Vicryl Rapide suture was used for skin suturing during surgery for lateral ray polydactyly in 9 children (mean age, 12.4 mo). Children were allowed to walk and bathe 2 weeks after surgery when over-the-suture taping therapy was started.Results:In all cases, the Vicryl Rapide suture disappeared completely within 3 weeks of surgery, and no removal of residual suture was required. No postoperative complications, such as suture abscess, wound dehiscence, or ulcer, were observed. During a mean 24-month postoperative follow-up, no elevation of the interdigital space due to hypertrophic scarring or scar contracture was observed, and no revision surgery was required.Conclusions:Although the breaking strength of Vicryl Rapide declines within the first 10 days after surgery, this property will unlikely lead to postoperative wound dehiscence due to a relatively light load being applied to the lateral toes. The use of a bioabsorbable suture for skin suturing during surgery for lateral lay polydactyly is highly beneficial as it eliminates pain caused by suture removal and the risk of tissue damage while reducing the burden on medical staff.

Prospective international multicenter observational study of Novosyn® Quick for skin closures in adults and children (SKINNOQ)

“…The composition of this suture material was identical to standard Vicryl®, but absorption was much faster due to an additional gamma irradiation. Several publications studied Vicryl® Rapide for skin closure in children and in adults [1–17]. Publications confirmed, that fast-absorbable Vicryl® Rapide for closures of cutaneous wounds located on the scalp, trunk and hands was highly reliable and avoided suture removal [4–8].…”

“…Rates of postoperative adverse events for Vicryl® Rapide were reported as followed: wound infection 1–11% [2, 5, 6, 15], wound dehiscence 1–7% [6, 14], delayed wound healing 1–3.4% [4, 12], re-suturing of the wound 7.7% [6]. Suture removal, allergic reaction, inflammation and abscesses were rarely seen [1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12–15]. Based on the amount of trials published, Vicryl® Rapide can be regarded as a market reference for absorbable braided suture material.…”

“…Overall our findings indicate that the use of Novosyn® Quick enables a very good to excellent aesthetic scar result both in adult and paediatric patients. The aesthetic outcome of wounds closed with Novosyn® Quick appears comparable with that of Vicryl® Rapide [1–3, 5, 7, 14, 15].…”

“…Vicryl® Rapide gives wound support up to 14 days post-implantation and has a total absorption time of 42 days. Several publications are available decribing the use of Vicryl® Rapide for skin closures in children and in adults [1–17]. Vicryl® Rapide can be regarded as a market reference for fast-absorbable, braided suture material.…”

Prospective, Observational Study to Assess a New Quick Absorbable Monofilament Suture for Skin Closure in Adults

“…Rapid absorbable, braided suture material which consists of polyglactin 910, is routinely used for wound edge approximation. This suture material supports the wound healing phase up to 14 days after surgery and is completely absorbed within 42 days [2]. In addition, an absorbable monofilament suture made of epsilon-caprolactone and glycolide, (polygelcaprone 25) is also applied to close the skin [3].…”