What effect does chromic salt have on chromic surgical gut?

• A. Accelerates degradation
• B. Prolongs degradation
• C. No effect
• D. Increases tissue reaction

Answer: (B)

Chromic salt treatment slows how quickly the gut suture is broken down by the body's enzymes. The chromium finishes coat and modify the collagen so it becomes more resistant to proteolysis, allowing the suture to retain its tensile strength for a longer period in tissue. That’s why the effect is described as prolonging degradation. It doesn’t speed up degradation, and while chromic gut can cause a bit more tissue irritation than plain catgut, the main tested outcome is the extended duration before absorption.