Clinical and histologic tissue responses of skin incisions closed with glycomer 631 and lactomer 9-1 using subcuticular technique in pigs
Abstract Background: Glycomer 631 and lactomer 9-1 are absorbable suture materials indicated for soft tissue approximation in non-infected wounds. Pigs are often used as surgical models in translational research, however, the reports of tissue reactions to both suture materials in pigs are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and histologic responses of skin incisions closed with subcuticular technique using glycomer 631 and lactomer 9-1 in pigs. Results: Skin incisions of 17 pigs were closed with glycomer 631 and lactomer 9-1 and clinical reactive score (CRS) including erythema, swelling, discharge, and dehiscence was calculated on postoperative days 7 and 14. Subcuticular tissue reaction was assessed histologically on postoperative day 14 (the presence of extravascular neutrophils, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, bacterial colonies, overall severity of inflammatory response to suture material), and the cumulative score of variables calculated as aggregate tissue irritation score (ATIS). Tissue samples were examined for suture extrusion and evaluated microbiologically. Clinical reactive score did not differ between the suture materials. Only one variable of ATIS, overall severity of inflammatory response, was lower ( p = 0.029) when glycomer 631 was used. Suture extrusion was found in 10/17 of incisions closed by glycomer 631 and in 7/13 of incisions closed by lactomer 9-1. Trueperella pyogenes was isolated from the skin and from the area of tissue reaction in six pigs. Conclusions: No difference in CRS between the suture materials was observed. Glycomer 631 induced less tissue reaction only in terms of overall severity of inflammatory response. Suture extrusion was observed in more than 50% of incisions regardless of the suture material. Trueperella pyogenes was the only pathogen isolated from the tissue surrounding the suture material.