Comparison of the biomechanical properties of postoperative scars after closure of an experimental musculoaponeurotic defect using long-lasting absorbable and nonabsorbable barbed sutures

Objective. To evaluate the effect of different types of unidirectional barbed sutures on the mechanical properties of postoperative scars at various time points following closure of an experimental musculoaponeurotic defect. Material and methods. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups according to the suture material used: absorbable V-Loc 180 and nonabsorbable V-Loc PBT. At 3 and 6 weeks after abdominal wall defect closure, 10 animals from each group were euthanized for mechanical testing of postoperative scars and histological examination. Results. At week 3, the highest tensile strength was observed in the V-Loc PBT group, significantly exceeding that in the V-Loc 180 group (0.87 ± 0.17 N/mm² vs. 0.64 ± 0.12 N/mm²; p=0.035). Between weeks 3 and 6, tensile strength remained unchanged in the V-Loc 180 group (p=0.68), whereas in the V-Loc PBT group it decreased (p=0.017) alongside an increase in extensibility (p=0.027). By week 6, scar thickness significantly increased in both groups, with no significant intergroup differences in mechanical parameters. At week 3, a pronounced tissue reaction around the sutures was noted, which markedly subsided by week 6, with the sutures surrounded by mature connective tissue. In two animals from the V-Loc 180 group (at weeks 3 and 6), impaired connective tissue formation was observed, characterized by mature chondrocyte appearance around the suture material. Conclusion. Long-lasting absorbable and nonabsorbable unidirectional barbed sutures elicit different early tissue responses after experimental musculoaponeurotic defect closure, influencing wound healing and the mechanical strength of postoperative scars.