Evaluation of five different suture materials in the skin of the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)

An Experimental Design to Compare the Compatibility of Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Suture Materials in the Lateral Canthus Area

Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) and polypropylene (Prolene) are common suture materials used in ophthalmic surgical procedures. However, there are limited studies assessing tissue reactions to different sutures in eyelid areas. In this study, these suture materials were used subcutaneously in 10 lateral canthi of 5 pigs. Clinical reactive score (CRS) was assessed 14 days and 60 days after surgery. On histology, subcutaneous tissue reactions were assessed by the presence of different inflammatory cells, and the aggregate tissue irritation score was calculated. CRS and the histology score did not differ between these sutures. None of the suture materials used were superior for use in the lateral canthi of pig eyes. Therefore, we recommend both of these sutures for use in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid area in animal experiments or clinical practice.

Histological evaluation of five suture materials in the telson ligament of the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)

An ideal suture material supports healing, minimizes inflammation, and decreases the likelihood of secondary infection. While there are published recommendations for suture materials in some invertebrates, there are no published recommendations for Limulus polyphemus or any chelicerate. This study evaluates the histological reaction of horseshoe crabs to five commonly used suture materials: monofilament nylon, silk, poliglecaprone, polydioxanone, and polyglycolic acid. None of the materials were superior with regards to holding nor was there any dehiscence. Nylon evoked the least amount of tissue reaction. This work also provides a histopathological description of the soft membrane at the hinge area between the opisthosoma and telson (telson ligament) and comments on euthanasia with intracardiac eugenol.