Histopathologic and biomechanical comparisons of the properties of skin, sutured with an Iranian and a foreign brand silk suture in rat

Since there have been some debates about using Supa brand silk, this study was designed to elucidate the possible differences between Supa and Ethicon silk in suturing rat skin. This study was carried out on 60 female Spragne-Dawly albino rats. The animals were randomly assigned to two equal groups. In group one, 3/0 silk, Supa product, and in group two, 3/0 silk Ethicon product were used. Following general anesthesia and surgical preparation, a 5 cm midline abdominal skin incision was made and sutured by a simple interrupted pattern. Fifteen animlas of each group were sacrificed on day 6 for the histopathologic examination and the rest of the animals, on day 13 for histopathologic and biomechanical examinations. Histopathologic sections were stained by H&E and examined under the light microscope for the re-epithelialization, acanthosis, age of granulation tissue, dermatitis, hyperemia, and presence of giant cells. There was no significant differences between the two groups on day 6 and 13 (P>0.05). In the biomechanical study, the following parameters were measured from load-elongation curves: the ultimate strength, ultimate strain, yield strain, stiffness, and maximum stored energy. Regarding these factors, there was no significant differences between the groups either (P>0.05). According to the results of this study and considering the price and availability, using Supa silk can be recommended with confidence and reliability.