title: Do Mersilene sutures need to be removed after cataract surgery?
abstract: A major disadvantage of nylon sutures is the need to remove them post-operatively to prevent suture fracture and irritation. Mersilene (polyester) sutures do not hydrolyse or disintegrate and are in theory superior to nylon. Fifty-two consecutive patients were examined an average of 3 years after uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction with corneal sections sutured with interrupted 11/0 polyester. It was found that 29% had suture-related problems and required, or had previously undergone, suture removal for reasons other than high astigmatism. The most common problem was a loose stitch with adherent mucus and corneal vascularisation (17% of patients at review). Sixty-six per cent of patients with loose sutures reported discomfort. We would not advocate prophylactic removal, but patients with polyester sutures should be advised to return if they become symptomatic.
authors.affiliation: Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hollick
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moosa
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Casswell
mesh_terms: D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; C025539:Lavsan