Suture erosion and wound dehiscence with permanent versus absorbable suture in reconstructive posterior vaginal surgery

Objective This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of wound disruption after reconstructive posterior vaginal surgery with braided permanent versus absorbable suture. Study design A retrospective cohort study of women undergoing posterior vaginal surgery. Outcomes included suture erosion, wound dehiscence, and additional surgical procedures. Results Ninety-nine procedures were performed with permanent sutures, followed by 111 with absorbable sutures. There were no differences in demographics or comorbidities between patient groups. Suture erosion/wound dehiscence occurred in 31.3% of the permanent suture group versus 9% of the absorbable suture group (P = .003, odds ratio [OR] = 7.5, 95% CI 2-28). The need for additional surgical intervention was 16.1% among permanent suture group versus no patients with absorbable suture. Performing a concomitant anal sphincteroplasty with permanent sutures significantly increased the incidence of suture erosion (P = .003, OR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.7-13.3). Conclusion Permanent sutures increase the incidence in wound disruption and the need for additional surgical intervention in posterior colporrhapy and anal sphincteroplasty.