Which type of suture will not degrade or break apart over time?

Polypropylene, commonly referred to as Prolene, is a non-absorbable suture material. This means it is designed to maintain its structural integrity and not degrade or break down over time within the body. Non-absorbable sutures are often chosen for applications where long-term support is necessary, such as in certain types of closure where the tissue requires sustained tension over an extended period, or in situations where the suture needs to be removed after healing.

In contrast, the other options listed are absorbable sutures. Vicryl is a synthetic absorbable suture that degrades over time due to hydrolysis, allowing for tissue healing without the need for removal. Chromic gut is a natural absorbable suture treated to slow its absorption time, but it eventually does degrade as well. Polydioxanone is another absorbable material, which is designed to hold for an extended time but will still lose its functionality as it breaks down within the body.

Understanding the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures is critical in surgical procedures, as the choice directly impacts the healing process and the need for follow-up care regarding suture removal.