Which mechanism describes absorption of synthetic sutures?

• A. Via enzymatic degradation
• B. Via hydrolysis
• C. By phagocytosis
• D. Not absorbed

Answer: (B)

Absorption of synthetic sutures occurs mainly through hydrolysis of the polymer chains in tissue fluid. Water attacks the ester bonds in the suture material, gradually breaking the polymer into smaller fragments and weakening its strength until it is resorbed. Enzymatic degradation is more characteristic of natural materials, whereas these synthetic polymers are designed to be hydrolytically degradable. Phagocytosis may help clear degraded fragments, but it doesn’t drive the initial disintegration of the suture itself. Since these are absorbable sutures, they are not meant to remain in tissue indefinitely.