title: Absorbable poliglecaprone 25 sutures for both subcutaneous and transepidermal closure: a cosmetically and economically appealing option.
abstract: The majority of dermatologic surgeons close surgical defects using absorbable sutures to approximate deep subcutaneous tissue and nonabsorbable sutures to close the epidermal tissue. However, the absorbable monofilament poliglecaprone 25 can serve as the sole suture material in closing deep surgical defects involving subcutaneous and epidermal tissue with the benefits of providing aesthetically pleasing outcomes, possibly due to the material's low tissue reactivity and clear colorless appearance, and cost-effectiveness. We discuss the estimated cost savings per procedure when using poliglecaprone 25. Additional advantages include increased versatility, ease of handling, and convenience. Some disadvantages include a slight stiffness of the suture material, which may require a surgeon to make minor adjustments to his/her knot tying technique, as well as a transparent appearance that may make suture removal more challenging when using the undyed version of the suture material. However, the many benefits of using poliglecaprone 25 for closure of surgical defects outweigh the few disadvantages.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Dermatology and Skin Surgery Specialists, PA, 1000 Goodlette Rd, Ste 100, Naples, FL 34102, USA. yaghoward@aol.com
authors.forename: Cyndi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yag-Howard
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lavallee
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000191:economics; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000191:economics; D013537:Sutures / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer