Choosing the right suture is an important part of veterinary surgery. The appropriate suture material can help provide the necessary wound support while tissues heal and can influence factors such as handling, tissue response, and whether the material needs to be removed later.
Two broad categories commonly considered in surgical suture selection are absorbable and non-absorbable sutures.
While the basic difference may sound simple—absorbable sutures are gradually broken down by the body, while non-absorbable sutures are designed to remain in place—there are several other factors veterinary professionals need to consider when selecting a suture.
This guide explains the key differences between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, their characteristics, common considerations, and how to select the appropriate option for a veterinary procedure.
What Are Absorbable Sutures?
Absorbable sutures are designed to gradually lose their tensile strength and be broken down or absorbed by the body over time.
Because the material does not generally need to remain permanently in the tissue, absorbable sutures can be particularly useful when temporary wound support is required during the healing process.
The rate at which an absorbable suture loses strength and is absorbed depends on the material used. Different absorbable materials have different characteristics, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
OzVet offers a range of absorbable veterinary sutures, including PDS and Poliglecaprone 25 options in different suture sizes and needle configurations.
Common Characteristics of Absorbable Sutures
Depending on the material, absorbable sutures may offer:
- Temporary tissue support
- No routine need for suture removal once appropriately absorbed
- Different absorption profiles
- A range of available suture sizes
- Different needle types and configurations
- Options for different surgical requirements
The choice of absorbable suture should be based on the procedure, tissue involved, expected healing characteristics, required duration of support, and the properties of the specific suture material.
What Are Non-Absorbable Sutures?
Non-absorbable sutures are designed to retain their structure and strength for a substantially longer period than absorbable materials.
Depending on where and how they are used, non-absorbable sutures may remain in the body or may be removed when appropriate.
Non-absorbable materials can be useful when longer-term mechanical support is required or when the characteristics of the material make them appropriate for the procedure.
OzVet provides non-absorbable veterinary sutures, including options such as nylon and silk.
Common Characteristics of Non-Absorbable Sutures
Depending on the material, non-absorbable sutures may provide:
- Long-lasting tensile strength
- Extended tissue support
- Different handling characteristics
- Different levels of tissue interaction
- Options for superficial and other surgical applications where appropriate
The fact that a suture is non-absorbable does not automatically make it better or worse than an absorbable suture. It simply means the material behaves differently and may be suited to different clinical requirements.
Absorbable vs Non-Absorbable Sutures: Key Differences
The most important distinction between the two types is what happens to the suture material after it has been placed.
| Feature | Absorbable Sutures | Non-Absorbable Sutures |
| Long-term presence | Designed to gradually break down or absorb | Designed to remain for an extended period |
| Tissue support | Temporary | Longer-lasting |
| Removal | Generally does not require routine removal once appropriately absorbed | May require removal when used externally |
| Material options | Includes materials such as PDS and Poliglecaprone 25 | Includes materials such as nylon and silk |
| Selection considerations | Healing time, tissue, absorption profile and procedure | Required duration of support, tissue, handling and procedure |
| Typical use | When temporary wound support is appropriate | When prolonged support is required or the material is otherwise suitable |
It is important to remember that these are broad categories. The properties of individual suture materials can vary significantly.
1. Absorption and Longevity
The most obvious difference is how long the suture remains functional.
Absorbable sutures are designed to provide support while the tissue heals and then gradually lose strength and undergo absorption.
Non-absorbable sutures are intended to remain substantially longer and may continue providing mechanical support after the initial healing period.
This makes duration of tissue support an important factor when selecting a suture.
A veterinary professional may consider questions such as:
- How quickly is the tissue expected to heal?
- How long is mechanical support required?
- Is long-term support desirable?
- Will the suture be placed in a location where removal is practical?
- What characteristics does the specific material offer?
The answer will depend on the individual procedure and patient.
2. Suture Material Matters
“Absorbable” and “non-absorbable” describe broad categories rather than a single type of material.
Different suture materials can have different characteristics relating to tensile strength, flexibility, handling, tissue response and absorption.
For example, OzVet’s product range includes PDS absorbable sutures, Poliglecaprone 25 absorbable sutures, as well as nylon and silk non-absorbable sutures.
This means that selecting a suture should involve more than simply deciding between absorbable and non-absorbable.
The material itself should also be considered.
PDS Sutures
PDS is an absorbable suture material available from OzVet in a variety of configurations.
The OzVet range includes different sizes, needle shapes and needle points, allowing veterinary professionals to select a configuration appropriate to their requirements.
For example, the range includes PDS absorbable sutures with taper-point needles as well as reverse-cutting and other configurations.
Poliglecaprone 25 Sutures
Poliglecaprone 25 is another absorbable material available through OzVet.
The range includes different suture sizes and needle configurations, including taper-point and cutting or reverse-cutting needle options.
This highlights an important point: suture selection involves both the thread material and the needle design.
Nylon Sutures
Nylon is a non-absorbable suture material available in OzVet’s range.
Different nylon products can be supplied with different needle configurations, allowing the veterinary professional to select according to the requirements of the procedure.
Silk Sutures
Silk is another non-absorbable option available through OzVet.
The OzVet SILKUS non-absorbable silk suture is one example of a non-absorbable suture product.
3. The Tissue Being Sutured Matters
The type of tissue involved is another important consideration when selecting a suture.
Different tissues heal at different rates and may have different mechanical requirements.
For this reason, there is no single suture material that is appropriate for every veterinary procedure.
When selecting a suture, veterinary professionals may consider:
- Tissue type
- Healing characteristics
- Expected tension on the repair
- Required duration of support
- Location of the repair
- Desired handling properties
- Needle characteristics
- Patient-specific factors
The objective is to select a suture that provides appropriate support for the particular surgical situation.
4. Needle Selection Is Also Important
Choosing between absorbable and non-absorbable material is only one part of suture selection.
The needle attached to the suture can also have an important role in the surgical procedure.
OzVet provides sutures with a variety of needle designs, including:
- Taper-point needles
- Cutting needles
- Reverse-cutting needles
- Round-bodied needles
- Different needle lengths
- Different needle curvatures
For example, the OzVet range includes absorbable PDS sutures with different needle configurations.
The appropriate needle design depends on factors such as the tissue being penetrated and the requirements of the procedure.
This is why two sutures made from the same material may still have very different applications when they are supplied with different needle designs.
5. Suture Size Should Be Considered
Suture size is another important factor.
OzVet’s absorbable and non-absorbable ranges are available in different sizes, including options such as 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0 and larger sizes.
The appropriate size depends on the procedure, tissue characteristics and mechanical requirements.
Using a suture that is unnecessarily large may not provide an advantage, while a suture that is too small may not provide the required support.
Veterinary professionals should therefore consider the required strength and tissue characteristics when selecting the appropriate size.
When Are Absorbable Sutures Considered?
Absorbable sutures may be considered when temporary tissue support is appropriate and when leaving a suture in place for the longer term is unnecessary or undesirable.
Depending on the specific procedure and material, they can be useful in situations where:
- Tissue support is required during healing
- Suture removal would be difficult or impractical
- The repair is located beneath the skin
- A suture is expected to lose its required function over time
- The characteristics of the absorbable material suit the procedure
The choice should always be based on the individual surgical requirements rather than simply choosing absorbable material as a general rule.
When Are Non-Absorbable Sutures Considered?
Non-absorbable sutures may be considered when longer-term mechanical support is required or when the characteristics of the material make it suitable for the procedure.
Potential considerations include:
- The need for prolonged tensile strength
- The location of the repair
- Tissue characteristics
- Whether the suture will be accessible for removal
- The handling properties of the selected material
- The specific surgical technique
Again, the decision should be made according to the procedure and patient rather than assuming that non-absorbable sutures are always preferable for long-term support.
How Do You Choose Between Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures?
A practical approach is to consider several factors together rather than looking at absorption alone.
Step 1: Consider the Tissue
Identify the tissue being repaired and its expected healing characteristics.
Step 2: Consider How Long Support Is Needed
Determine whether temporary support is appropriate or whether longer-lasting mechanical support is required.
Step 3: Consider the Suture Material
Compare the characteristics of the available materials rather than selecting purely based on whether they are absorbable or non-absorbable.
Step 4: Select the Appropriate Size
Choose a suture size appropriate to the procedure and tissue requirements.
Step 5: Select the Needle
Consider the tissue and choose an appropriate needle point, curvature and size.
Step 6: Consider Handling Characteristics
The way a suture handles during a procedure can also influence selection.
Step 7: Consider Patient and Procedure-Specific Factors
The individual patient, surgical site and clinical circumstances should all be taken into account.
Common Mistakes When Selecting Sutures
Choosing Based Only on Absorbability
Absorbable versus non-absorbable is an important distinction, but it is not the only consideration.
Material, size, needle type and tissue requirements all matter.
Using the Same Suture for Every Procedure
Different procedures can have different requirements. A suture that works well in one situation may not be the best choice in another.
Ignoring Needle Design
The needle is an integral part of the suture product. Needle point, size and curvature can affect how the suture interacts with tissue.
Overlooking Suture Size
Selecting the correct material but an inappropriate size can compromise the suitability of the overall suture choice.
Focusing Only on Price
Cost is understandably important when purchasing veterinary supplies, but product quality, consistency, specifications and suitability for the intended procedure should also be considered.
Why Quality Matters When Choosing Veterinary Sutures
Sutures are an important part of surgical procedures, so consistency and quality should be key considerations when sourcing them.
OzVet states that its sutures are manufactured according to specified quality standards and are sterilised using ethylene oxide (EtO), with sterilisation validated through international quality systems.
For veterinary practices, choosing a reliable supplier can make it easier to maintain consistent surgical supplies and select from different suture materials, sizes and needle configurations.
OzVet provides veterinary surgical sutures alongside other surgical disposables for veterinary professionals in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are absorbable sutures better than non-absorbable sutures?
Neither type is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on the tissue, procedure, required duration of support, material properties, suture size, needle design and other patient-specific considerations.
Do absorbable sutures always disappear completely?
Absorbable sutures are designed to gradually break down or be absorbed by the body, but the rate and process depend on the specific material. Veterinary professionals should consider the manufacturer’s specifications for the particular suture.
Do non-absorbable sutures always need to be removed?
Not necessarily. Whether removal is required depends on where the suture is placed, the procedure performed and the specific clinical circumstances.
What types of absorbable sutures does OzVet offer?
OzVet’s range includes absorbable PDS and Poliglecaprone 25 sutures in various sizes and needle configurations.
What non-absorbable sutures does OzVet offer?
OzVet offers non-absorbable options including nylon and silk sutures, with different product configurations available.
Does suture size matter?
Yes. Suture size should be selected according to the procedure, tissue and mechanical requirements. OzVet offers a range of sizes to accommodate different surgical applications.
Final Thoughts
The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures is an important part of veterinary surgical planning.
Absorbable sutures are designed to provide temporary support and gradually break down, while non-absorbable sutures are designed to retain their structure for longer periods. However, the decision involves much more than this basic distinction.
Veterinary professionals should consider the tissue, healing characteristics, required duration of support, suture material, size, needle design and specific requirements of the procedure.
OzVet offers a range of veterinary surgical sutures, including absorbable PDS and Poliglecaprone 25 products and non-absorbable nylon and silk options, with different sizes and needle configurations available.
For veterinary practices looking to stock quality surgical disposables, explore the OzVet suture range to find products suited to different surgical requirements.