Absorbables

Absorbables are materials designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body after serving their purpose, reducing the need for removal. They are widely used in surgery and wound management. Absorbables can be natural or synthetic. Natural absorbables include collagen- or elastin-based materials and historically gut sutures, which are degraded by proteolytic enzymes.

Synthetic absorbables are polymers that degrade by hydrolysis or enzyme action. Common examples include polyglactin 910 (a lactic–glycolic copolymer), poliglecaprone 25, polydioxanone, polyglycolic acid, and polylactic acid, as well as copolymers such as PLA/PLGA.

In practical use, absorbables provide temporary wound support and avoid removal; they are used in surgical sutures, meshes for hernia repairs, and orthopedics for resorbable pins and screws that gradually dissolve. They also serve as drug-delivery carriers and in certain ophthalmic or other implantable devices.

Degradation occurs by hydrolysis or enzymatic action, with timelines ranging from days to months depending on material and site. Fast-absorbing sutures may lose strength in 1–2 weeks, while slowly degrading polymers can remain functional for several months before resorption.

Choosing an absorbable material depends on tissue type, required duration of support, anticipated healing, patient factors, and potential inflammatory reactions. Safety considerations include tissue responses to degradation byproducts and infection risk. Absorbables are typically contrasted with non-absorbable sutures when long-term stability and durability are needed.