Preference and use of different suture materials among surgeons: An original study

The choice of suture critically impacts surgical results, considering both clinical and logistical aspects. Despite the range of suture materials available, studies on surgeon preferences and related complications are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the preferences of surgeons regarding suture materials and identify the correlation between material choice and postoperative complications. A cross-sectional survey was performed with 200 surgeons representing various surgical specialties. Demographic data, suture preferences (skin and deep tissue), selection criteria (tissue type, biocompatibility, supply/cost), and complication experience (inflammation, wound dehiscence) were all collected via structured questionnaires. Surgeons most often chose rapid vicryl for skin closure (55.0%, n=110), and vicryl for deep tissue (77.5%, n=155). A majority (n=147, 73.5%) prioritized the supply chain and price in their selection. The choice of 18.5% (n=37) of the surgeons was influenced by monofilament or multifilament properties. There was a strong link between selection criteria and the choice of suture for both skin and deep tissue (p<0.001). Among participants, 42.0% (n=84) experienced postoperative complications; inflammation (n=63, 31.5%) and wound dehiscence (n=21, 10.5%) were the most frequent. Rapid vicryl use significantly correlated with inflammation (93.6%, n=59, p<0.001), and polydioxanone use significantly correlated with wound dehiscence (85.7%, n=18, p<0.001). The accessibility of suture materials, not their biological properties, is the main factor influencing selection, with notable links between specific sutures and complications. To optimize patient outcomes, these results emphasize the necessity for standardized, evidence-based suture selection guidelines and increased availability of various suture materials.