Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – August 20, 2025: Absorbable multifilament sutures are designed to dissolve and be absorbed by the body as wounds heal. They are made from materials like synthetic polymers or natural fibers that disintegrate over time. Unlike nylon or silk sutures, these do not need removal by a doctor, which saves patients from an additional clinical visit. They are especially useful in internal surgeries and soft-tissue closures. Braided multifilament types offer easier handling and knot security. However, they can absorb fluids and retain organisms, which increases infection risks. As a result, they should be avoided in already infected wounds, but remain a trusted choice in clean surgical procedures.
The rising global demand for surgeries is a key driver for absorbable sutures. An ageing population means more cases of joint replacements, cardiovascular procedures, and cancer treatments. According to UN projections, the number of people aged 60 and above is rising sharply worldwide. This demographic trend increases surgical volumes and creates greater demand for reliable wound closure products. Health systems also focus on reducing surgical site infections (SSIs). Guidelines from the WHO and CDC highlight the importance of proper wound closure materials in SSI prevention. Antimicrobial-coated absorbable sutures are gaining attention as a result.
Material science is driving innovation in this sector. New polymers such as polyglactin, polydioxanone, and bio-based PHB allow manufacturers to adjust absorption times, strength, and tissue response. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and the European Commission have established clear pathways for approving new absorbable materials. This clarity reduces development risks and accelerates product launches. Improvements in coating technology further enhance performance by reducing infection risks and ensuring smoother handling. These advances are expanding the range of clinical applications for absorbable multifilament sutures.
Clinician and patient preferences are also shaping adoption. Many health services, including the NHS, note that absorbable sutures help patients avoid an extra visit for removal. Hospitals benefit from reduced complications, lower follow-up needs, and shorter patient stays. Emerging economies are expanding surgical capacity, which adds to global demand. Cost and supply chain resilience are key decision factors, with local manufacturing becoming a priority in many regions. Sustainability is another growing consideration. Biodegradable, bio-based sutures and reduced packaging are expected to become competitive advantages as healthcare systems increasingly emphasize environmental responsibility. Together, these trends highlight a strong growth outlook for absorbable multifilament sutures worldwide.
Emerging Trends
- Antimicrobial-coated sutures becoming standard: Antimicrobial-coated absorbable multifilament sutures are moving into routine use. Clinical reviews and guidelines show that triclosan-coated braided sutures, such as VICRYL Plus, lower the risk of surgical-site infections (SSIs). Hospitals are adopting these sutures as part of infection-prevention bundles. Reports show that fewer infections also lead to reduced hospital costs. This makes antimicrobial-coated braided sutures not only safer for patients but also more cost-effective for healthcare systems. The trend is expected to strengthen as SSI prevention remains a top priority in global surgical care.
- Demand for predictable absorption and strength: Surgeons increasingly prefer absorbable sutures with predictable absorption and tensile-strength retention. Tissue healing varies, so sutures must provide strength that matches recovery time. Some braided absorbable sutures keep around 75% of their strength at two weeks, while others retain strength for much longer. Clinical documents and regulatory approvals now highlight these specifications clearly. Predictability in both absorption and strength gives surgeons more confidence in selecting sutures tailored to each procedure. This growing demand for precision is shaping the development and adoption of new absorbable multifilament sutures worldwide.
- Biodegradable polymers and coated braids improve performance: Newer absorbable multifilament sutures are made with advanced biodegradable polymers like polyglactin (PGA/PLGA). These braided sutures are often coated to improve handling, knot security, and reduce tissue reaction. Compared with older natural gut sutures, these modern materials cause less local inflammation and are easier for surgeons to work with. Regulatory filings describe multiple coated compositions designed to make sutures smoother and safer. This shift from traditional materials to synthetic braided absorbables is a major trend. It reflects both surgeon preference and the broader move toward biocompatible surgical solutions.
- Rise of smart and bioactive sutures: Research is exploring smart and bioactive sutures that go beyond simple wound closure. Early trials and academic studies describe sutures capable of releasing antimicrobial drugs, stimulating tissue repair with electrical signals, or carrying healing agents directly to the wound site. These innovations are still in the early stages of development but represent a clear direction for the future. Bioactive braided absorbable sutures could reduce complications, speed up recovery, and even lower dependence on external therapies. While not yet common in hospitals, they are gaining attention as the next wave in surgical care.
- Expanding use across specialties, including veterinary care: Absorbable multifilament sutures are being adopted in more specialties and care pathways. Infection-control guidelines now recommend antibacterial braided sutures as part of SSI prevention bundles. These are used widely in general surgery, gynecology, and gastrointestinal procedures. Veterinary medicine is also using them for soft-tissue closures where secure handling is essential. The trend reflects growing trust in their effectiveness and safety. As more fields recognize the benefits of braided absorbable sutures, their role in both human and animal healthcare is set to expand steadily in the coming years.
Use Cases
- General Soft-Tissue Closure: Absorbable multifilament sutures are often used for closing soft tissues like skin under tension and subcutaneous layers. Because they are braided, they handle easily and hold knots firmly. This helps tissues heal faster and reduces stress on the wound in the early days. For example, VICRYL Plus (polyglactin 910) keeps around 75% of its strength after 2 weeks, about 40–50% after 3 weeks, and around 25% at 4 weeks. Complete absorption usually happens in 57–70 days. These numbers help surgeons choose the right suture based on how long tissues need support.
- Deep Internal Closures: Braided absorbable sutures are valuable for deep internal surgeries, including bowel anastomosis and fascia closure. Their strength and knot security make them reliable when tissues need short-to-medium support. Polyglactin and polyglycolic acid (PGA) are commonly used in these cases. They are designed to break down safely in the body while giving strong wound support during the first few weeks of healing. Regulatory product information highlights how these sutures are formulated for surgical use. Doctors select them carefully depending on tissue type and expected recovery time, ensuring that healing is supported without leaving permanent materials inside the body.
- Procedures with High Infection Risk: Antibacterial-coated braided absorbable sutures are preferred in surgeries where infection is a concern. These sutures are coated with triclosan, which reduces bacterial growth and prevents biofilm formation. This feature is important because braided sutures can sometimes harbor bacteria due to their structure. Clinical studies support their benefits. According to data reviewed by NICE, triclosan-coated sutures lowered surgical-site infections by about 30% compared to standard absorbable sutures. This evidence comes from 31 randomized trials involving more than 14,000 patients. Such numbers show how antibacterial sutures improve outcomes and reduce complications, especially in high-risk surgical environments.
- Fast-Absorbing Applications: In some cases, tissues only need short-term support, such as facial skin closures or pediatric wounds. For these situations, fast-absorbing sutures like plain gut are often chosen. These sutures provide strength for about 5–7 days and then gradually lose support. Complete absorption typically occurs within 2–4 weeks. This makes them ideal for procedures where quick healing is expected and long-term reinforcement is unnecessary. Surgeons also use them when removing stitches later would be difficult or uncomfortable. The quick absorption process reduces the need for follow-up visits, which benefits both patients and healthcare providers in these scenarios.
- Dental and Oral Surgery Uses: Braided absorbable sutures are also used in dental surgeries, oral procedures, and ENT treatments. Inside the mouth, they help close soft tissue wounds effectively. Their use depends on the local environment because the mouth has varying pH levels and bacteria. Some sutures perform better in these conditions than others. Clinical reviews suggest that polyglactin and similar materials are reliable choices for oral use. They dissolve safely over time and do not require removal, which is important for patient comfort. Dentists and ENT specialists prefer them for gum repairs, wisdom tooth surgeries, and other soft-tissue closures in sensitive areas.
- Veterinary Surgery: Absorbable multifilament sutures are widely used in veterinary medicine. They are applied in orthopedic surgeries, intestinal repairs, gynecological procedures, and hernia fixes in animals. Their braided structure makes them easier to handle and tie securely, which is important during complex procedures. Polyglactin and polyglycolic acid sutures are among the most commonly recommended by veterinary guidelines. They provide the right balance of strength and absorption for animal tissues. In intestinal surgeries, for example, they support healing during the first weeks before safely dissolving. Their adaptability across species and surgical needs makes them a trusted option in veterinary care.
Conclusion
The market for absorbable multifilament sutures is showing strong growth, supported by rising surgical volumes, aging populations, and a global focus on reducing complications. Their ability to dissolve naturally in the body eliminates the need for removal, improving both patient comfort and hospital efficiency. Advances in material science, including antimicrobial coatings and biodegradable polymers, are expanding their use in clean surgical procedures across specialties. Growing adoption in both human and veterinary medicine highlights their reliability and versatility. With sustainability and local manufacturing also gaining importance, absorbable multifilament sutures are positioned as a key solution in modern surgical care, offering safety, efficiency, and long-term value for healthcare systems worldwide.
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