Abstract
The selection of suture materials is an important factor in further improving the results of microsurgical operations. In this study, two kinds of nonabsorbable suture materials, 10β0 polypropylene and 10β0 nylon monofilament, were compared in endβtoβend anastomosis of 66 femoral arteries of adult rats. Both suture types were of identical size (70 ΞΌm needle/28 ΞΌm suture) and each artery received eight sutures. The vessels were harvested at various intervals from 2 hr to 180 days postoperatively and were evaluated by pathology, radiology, and tensile strength test. The results show that both sutures are capable of achieving excellent longβterm patency (100%) of anastomosed sites. Polypropylene suture was equivalent to nylon in mechanical integrity of the anastomosis sites but was superior in handling, knotting, and biocompatibility. These physical and biological properties of polypropylene sutures may offer the benefits of diminished early and late complications at anastomosis sites and reduced operation time. Enhancement of contrast against surrounding tissue may make polypropylene a superior alternative to nylon sutures for microsurgical use. Β© 1993 WileyβLiss Inc.