Local tissue reaction to implantation of biodegradable suture materials.

Morphological changes in tissues adjacent to the implant were studied 1, 2, 6, and 12 months after implantation of biodegradable suture materials (catgut thread, DemeTECH polyfilament thread, and Surgilactin monofilament thread) into subcutaneous fat of rats. Tissue reaction to implantation of different suture materials developed as usual in response to a wound process and to a foreign body. By the end of month 1. the stage of traumatic perifocal inflammation was replaced in all groups by the proliferative phase with formation of new vessels and connective tissue. A trend to reduction of the productive inflammation activity from month 1 to month 12 was noted. Complete degeneration of the material after 12 months with complete recovery of the histoarchitecture of the adjacent tissues (restitution) was detected only after implantation of DemeTECH polyfilament thread.