Synthetic vs. Natural Sutures: Clinical Perspectives to Optimize Healing Outcomes (Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech) | Insights from Industry-Synthetic vs. Natural Sutures: Clinical Perspectives to Optimize Healing Outcomes (Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech)

Synthetic vs. Natural Sutures: Clinical Perspectives to Optimize Healing Outcomes (Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech) | Insights from Industry

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on synthetic versus natural sutures, especially the shift away from gut sutures toward synthetic absorbables like Rapide and antibacterial plus-coated sutures. Johnson & Johnson explained its portfolio changes: discontinuing non-plus synthetic absorbables in favor of antibacterial versions and exiting all gut sutures, citing stronger evidence, more predictable performance, and alignment with global practice.<br /><br />Two plastic surgeons, Dr. Chris Reed and Dr. Rahim Nasrallah, shared their experience transitioning to synthetic sutures. They emphasized that hydrolytically absorbed synthetics are more predictable than enzymatically absorbed gut sutures, with less variability, better handling, improved knot security, and fewer issues like breakage, drying out, or inflammatory track marks. They also noted that Rapide provides short-term support similar to fast gut but with more consistency and less tissue irritation.<br /><br />The discussion covered practical use in facial repairs, pediatric cases, mucosal tissue, skin grafts, burns, and implant-adjacent procedures. The surgeons highlighted that topical skin adhesives, petroleum ointments, and good wound care can help manage suture fallout timing. They also stressed the value of antibacterial triclosan-coated sutures in reducing surgical site infections, particularly in high-risk reconstructive and implant cases.<br /><br />Additional themes included the role of barbed sutures in reducing tension and knot burden, and the sustainability and inventory benefits of discontinuing gut sutures. Overall, the speakers framed the transition as an evidence-based move toward safer, more predictable, and more efficient wound closure.

Keywords

synthetic sutures

natural sutures

gut sutures

antibacterial-coated sutures

Rapide

hydrolytic absorption

surgical site infection

plastic surgery

barbed sutures

wound closure