Monofilament and multifilament sutures

Feature

Monofilament Sutures

Multifilament Sutures

Structure

Single, smooth strand

Multiple strands twisted
or braided together

Handling

Slightly stiff, harder to handle

Soft, easy to handle and tie

Tissue
Reaction

Less tissue reaction

More tissue reaction

Tissue
Drag

Less friction, smooth passage

More friction,
may cause tissue trauma

Tissue
Reaction

Less inflammatory response

More tissue reaction
due to multiple fibers

Knot
Security

Requires more knots
to stay secure

Better knot security
with fewer knots

Infection
Risk

Lower
(less space for bacteria)

Higher
(bacteria can get
trapped in gaps)

Capillarity

(Fluid
Absorption)

Low
(resists bacterial colonization)

High
(may wick bacteria)

Examples

• Nylon

• Polypropylene (Prolene)

• Polydioxanone (PDS)

• Silk
• Polyester
• Polyglactin (Vicryl)

Uses

Skin closure,
blood vessels,
delicate tissues

Internal sutures,
ligatures,
general surgery