Dissolvable stitches dissolve as your body heals. They are made of substances that the body slowly breaks down. This blog explores what dissolvable stitches are, when they are used, and how long they take to dissolve. It also discusses some general care tips for dissolvable stitches.
What Are Dissolvable Stitches?
Dissolvable stitches are a type of stitches used to close wounds or surgical incisions. They don’t have to be taken out. Most will start to dissolve after a week or two, while others may take up to a few months. They are made utilizing animal proteins or synthetic polymers, unique substances that the body’s natural chemicals can break down and absorb.
Following Ingredients Are Used
- Synthetic polymer materials, like polyglycolic acid, polyglyconate, polydioxanone, and polylactic acid
- Natural materials, such as purified catgut, cow intestines, collagen, sheep intestines, and silk (even though permanent silk threads are typically used)
Key Market Statistics
The global dissolvable stitches market was valued at USD 4.14 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 7.23 billion and grow at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period.
The rapid development of advanced and innovative suture’s materials and tips, which has completely changed the suturing procedure during surgeries, as well as the increasing attention of major companies and research institutions on advancements and innovations in material science, are the main factors driving demand and dissolvable stitches market growth globally.
How Much Time Does It Take?
The amount of time taken by dissolvable stitches to break down and disappear depends on several factors including:
- The surgical technique or type of wound closure
- The type of stitches used to close the wound incision or surgical incisions
- Suture material type
- The size of the suture used
When Are They Used?
Doctors may use dissolvable stitches for intense wounds or surgical incisions. Also, they may be chosen in cases where there is no need for follow-up wound care. Dissolvable stitches make it easier for doctors or healthcare professionals to fix the wound’s shape, reducing the risk of the wound reopening and resulting in fewer scars.
The following procedures might involve dissolvable stitches
- Oral surgery
- Cesarean delivery
- Repairing muscle and connective tissue
- Breast cancer tumor removal
- Repairing vaginal and perineal tearing due to childbirth
What Precautions Should Be Observed?
Some general care tips for dissolvable stitches include:
- Showering according to the doctor’s instructions
- Avoid creams and ointments
- Keeping the area dry
- Changing any dressings as and when the doctor advises
- Avoiding using soap in the area
- Avoiding activities that may strain the wound
- Wearing loose clothes
- Cleaning from the center outward
What Are Ambulatory Surgical Centers?
Ambulatory surgical centers are specialized healthcare facilities focused on providing outpatient surgical care. Dissolvable stitches can be particularly convenient in these settings. Due to the rising number of ambulatory surgical centers worldwide and its growing popularity due to various advantages like shorter patient stays, faster recovery times, and cost-effectiveness, the ambulatory surgical centers end-user segment is expected to register the highest growth rate in the dissolvable stitches market throughout the forecast period.
Key Takeaways
By geography, North America witnessed the largest dissolvable stitches market share in 2022 and is anticipated to retain its dominance during the foreseen period owing to the surge in prevalence and cases of certain types of diseases, increased potential for healthcare expenditures, and increased presence of well-established and key market players across the region. The dissolvable stitches market is rapidly evolving in the medical industry. The need for dissolvable stitches is anticipated to increase continuously as technology develops and medical procedures continue to expand.