Fast absorbing gut sutures in dermatologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fast gut cutaneous sutures have become more prominent due to their low tissue reactivity, rapid absorption, and elimination of suture removal visits. It is not known how fast gut sutures compare to other closure modalities.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fast gut sutures to alternative closure methods during dermatologic surgery. Data collected included patient and physician assessed cosmetic outcome as well as standardized complication rates.

Six studies were included in final analysis and reported on 208 patients. Fast gut sutures were associated with lower physician opinions of final scar when compared to polypropylene sutures (SMD 0.438; 95% CI 0.082 to 0.794). No differences existed between physician opinion of fast gut sutures and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (SMD − 0.024; 95% CI − 0.605 to 0.556). Complications with fast gut suture placement were rare, and included infection, dehiscence, and hematomas. Fast gut sutures were less likely to experience wound dehiscence than tissue adhesive (p = 0.01).

If no contraindications to polypropylene sutures exist, they may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to fast gut sutures. Further research is required to better quantify cosmetic outcomes and optimal use of fast gut sutures.