Stitch with Which? Absorbable vs Nonabsorbable Suture for Skin Closure – A meta-analysis

Background It has been taught as a fundamental value that for skin sutures and wound closure, non-absorbable sutures should be used without many research papers supporting its higher efficacy with decreased would infection, decreased wound dehiscence and decreased skin scarring. The optimal suture material type still remains a myth. Objective This study aimed to compare the outcomes of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure Methods A Systemic-review was performed with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Cohort studies that compared outcomes of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure. Results A total of 5096 patients in 27 RCTs analyzed. There was no significant difference between absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures in the incidence of wound infections, scar formation and wound dehiscence. The results of both groups are quite comparable with nil heterogeneity. Conclusions Absorbable sutures for skin closure were not inferior to nonabsorbable sutures. It should be recommended due to its great cost and time savings. Well-designed RCTs with sufficient follow-ups are needed to adequately clarify whether better cosmetic results can be achieved using intradermal absorbable sutures.