Comparison of Elastane Fiber with Polyprolene and Polyglecaprone 25 used as Surgical Suture Material : an experimental preliminary study

Aim: Elastane fiber is a synthetic monofilament polymer which is durable and highly flexible. In this preliminary study we compared Elastane fiber with polypropylene and polyglycaprone 25, surching the inflammatory reaction in the rat soft tissue, considering that it could be used for sternal closure because of its properties. Material and Methods: Elastane fiber, polypropylene and polyglycaprone25 sutures were placed in 3 separate areas at 2 cm intervals in the subcutaneous tissue of each 8 male wistar albino rats without any incision, using the seldinger method. After two weeks, the rats were sacrified and tissue specimens, including the suture fragments, were resected. Histopathological scoring in terms of inflammation, vascularization, fibrosis and histiocytic reaction were achieved semiquantitatively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between three suture materials in terms of inflammation (p=0.513), vascularization (p=0.065), fibrosis (p=0.108) and histiocytic reaction (p=0.630). Conclusion: As a conclusion elastane fiber showed similar inflammatory changes with other suture materials in the rat soft tissue which is thought to be useful for sternal closure due to its high flexibilityand durability.