Which statement best describes polyglactin 910?

• A. Absorbable
• B. Non-absorbable
• C. Not used in sutures
• D. Strengthens tissue

Answer: (A)

Polyglactin 910 is a synthetic absorbable suture material. It is designed to provide temporary mechanical support for tissues and is broken down by hydrolysis, so it is gradually absorbed by the body over weeks to a couple of months. This property makes it suitable for internal or rapidly healing tissues where you don’t want a lasting foreign body. Because it is absorbable, it is not a permanent suture. It is indeed used in suturing, so saying it isn’t used for sutures is incorrect. It doesn’t itself strengthen tissue; it simply holds tissue together during the healing period, after which the tissue regains strength as part of the natural healing process.