Ethilon

Ethilon is a brand of surgical suture made from nylon (a synthetic polyamide) and manufactured by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It refers to nonabsorbable, monofilament sutures designed for tissue approximation and wound closure. The monofilament nylon design provides smooth passage through tissue with low drag, enabling straightforward handling and knot security. Nylon sutures typically provoke minimal tissue reactivity, making Ethilon suitable for skin and soft tissue closures, and for use in other tissues where long-term tensile strength is advantageous.

Ethilon sutures are available in a range of diameters, from very fine to relatively coarse, and are supplied sterile for single-use application. They are nonabsorbable, meaning they are not degraded by the body over time; in many closures, removal is required after the wound has healed sufficiently, though some applications involve long-term retention. Product variants may differ in coatings or lubricants intended to improve tissue passage, depending on the specific line within the Ethilon family.

In clinical practice, Ethilon is valued for its strength, low tissue reactivity, and ease of handling. It is commonly used for skin closure, subcutaneous tissue approximation, and other situations where durable, nonabsorbable support is desirable. Clinicians select suture material based on tissue type, anticipated healing time, infection risk, and the need for eventual removal. Potential drawbacks include possible scar indentation or need for removal if left in place for extended periods.

Ethilon sutures are part of standard surgical supplies and are typically cataloged alongside other nonabsorbable sutures made of nylon or similar polymers.