title: A randomized, prospective trial evaluating surgeon preference in selection of absorbable suture material.
abstract: This study is the first double-blinded, randomized comparison of two absorbable sutures. To better understand product characteristics and surgeon preference, we conducted a study of two similar-appearing FDA-approved sutures, glyconate and poliglecaprone 25. Four dermatologic surgeons were enlisted. A total of 48 patients with 53 surgical sites were examined. One half of each surgical wound was closed with one type of suture and the other half with the other type. Each half was evaluated for product characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference in surgeon preference for glyconate versus poliglecaprone 25 (P=0.64). Of the cohort preferring poliglecaprone 25, there was a correlation with speed of closure (P=0.06). Of the surgeons that preferred glyconate, we found significantly better visibility (P=0.03), reduced suture breakage during knot tying (P=0.05), and correlation with better handling properties (P=0.06) associated with that preference. The data from this study will enable products to be designed towards these needs and allow surgeons to select sutures that more precisely fit their particular requirements.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. linhklu@gmail.com
authors.forename: Linh K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Krum
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lyn Price
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Finn
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Gary S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D011091:Polyesters / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures / Q000592:standards; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer