Absorbable suture materials for primary repair of episiotomy and second degree tears

ABSTRACT Repair of perineal trauma with synthetic absorbable sutures is associated with less short-term pain, reduction

in the use of analgesia, less wound breakdown and reduced need for perineal re-suturing compared with

catgut. However, the use of standard synthetic sutures was associated with greater frequency of removal of

unabsorbed sutures compared with catgut. There was no significant difference between standard synthetic

sutures and rapidly absorbed synthetic sutures, although with the latter fewer women required removal of

unabsorbed suture up to 3 months post delivery, there was less analgesic use and more gaping wound edges.