catgut suture

Catgut suture is a natural absorbable surgical suture made from purified collagen fibers derived from the small intestine of sheep or goats (sometimes cattle). It is used for wound closure in various surgical procedures, including general surgery, ophthalmic, orthopedic, obstetrics/gynecology, and gastrointestinal surgeries. Catgut sutures are available in two main types: plain (untreated) and chromic (treated with chromium salts to slow absorption and reduce tissue reactivity). The body absorbs catgut sutures through enzymatic degradation by proteolytic enzymes. Plain catgut is absorbed within 7–10 days; chromic catgut takes longer (10–14 days or more), depending on the site of implantation and patient factors such as metabolic rate or infection[2][5][6]. Catgut sutures are valued for their excellent handling properties, high knot-pull tensile strength, and good knot security. They are particularly useful where short-term wound support is sufficient and where removal of sutures would be difficult or undesirable[2][4]. In some regions (e.g., Europe and Japan), use has been restricted due to concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy transmission risk[2].

Other names

羊肠线catgutchromic catgut sutureplain catgut suture