Clinical and biomechanical analyses to select a suture material for uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery

Abstract

Objective: The selection of the degradation pattern of suture materials is critical in uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery because of the complex oral environment such as the constant presence of saliva; the microbial accumulation; and the functions related to speech, mastication, and swallowing. The aim of the study was to identify appropriate suture materials for uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery by analyzing the clinical and biomechanical results obtained using four different absorbable suture materials.

Study design: A randomized open-label trial.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and methods: Eighty patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who had undergone microdebrider-assisted extended uvulopalatoplasty were randomized into the four suture groups: sutures of polyglycolide (Dexon) and copolymers of polyglycolide and other degradable polymers (Polysorb, Monocryl, Maxon). Handling characteristics, surgical outcomes, Young's modulus reduction, morphologic changes by scanning electron microscope, and saliva absorption test were analyzed.

Results: Monocryl (poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone)) had the optimal handling characteristics and exhibited two-stage degradation: sufficient tensile strength was maintained initially to allow wound healing, and then the suture degraded rapidly to avoid irritation. In contrast, the hydrolytic degradation of Dexon, Polysorb, and Maxon seemed to involve only an approximately single-stage process in the oral environment. Moreover, a large amount of debris was observed among filaments in Dexon and Polysorb, whereas only some scattered debris accumulated on Monocryl and Maxon under scanning electron microscope.

Conclusion: Poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone) has good handling characteristics and degrades in two stages. It is a suitable suture material for uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery.