Dyed vs. Undyed Polyglactin Sutures in Cutaneous Surgery

Launched by WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · Jul 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a small, early study that compares two kinds of sutures (dyed vs undyed Polyglactin 910, the suture material) used to close skin wounds after surgery. It uses a randomized, split-wound design, so each participant will have two wound areas closed with different sutures to directly compare their healing. Researchers will assess how the wounds heal and how the skin reacts, looking at redness, scarring, itching, pain, swelling, suture sticking out, and signs of infection at about 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months after the procedure. About 50 adults are being enrolled, and the study at WVU Medicine Waynesburg Dermatology is currently open by invitation, with data collection expected to wrap up in early 2026.

Who can join: adults 18 years and older of any sex who are scheduled for a standard skin surgery that needs wound closure and who can give informed consent. If you participate, two small areas of your wound would be closed with the two different sutures. You’ll have follow-up visits to check healing and to record issues like infection, redness, swelling, and whether the sutures protrude, plus you’ll report itch and pain on each side. The study is overseen by West Virginia University, and no individual data will be publicly shared. This work aims to help doctors decide which suture type might offer better healing and cosmetic results in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are scheduled for a standard of care surgical excision
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are unable to give informed consent