Nonabsorbable suture material in cataract surgery: a comparison of Novafil and nylon.

Abstract

We compared the performance of 10-0 Novafil (polybutester, Davis & Geck, American Cyanamid Company, New South Wales, Australia.) with that of 10-0 nylon (Alcon) in 60 patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. A standard technique was used, and the incision was closed with interrupted sutures of either 10-0 Novafil or 10-0 nylon. Length of follow up ranged from 6 to 26 months (average, 15 months). We assessed the intraoperative handling qualities of the suture materials, as well as their effect on wound healing and inflammation. We also compared the surgically-induced astigmatism in the two suture groups over the first 3 postoperative months and then in long-term follow up (average, 15 months). Sutures removed at long-term follow up were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both suture materials handled easily at operation and were well tolerated by all patients. There was no significantly different surgically-induced astigmatism in the two suture groups after 12 weeks (P = .962) or during longer follow up (P = .401). SEM confirmed more advanced biodegradation of nylon as compared with Novafil sutures after they had been in place an average of 18 months.

• Authors: R Seeto, S Ng, K A McClellan, F A Billson
• Journal: Ophthalmic surgery (Ophthalmic Surg) Vol. 23 Issue 8 Pg. 538-44 (Aug 1992) ISSN: 0022-023X [Print] United States
• PMID: 1508484 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Nylons
• Polyesters
• polybutester

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Astigmatism (etiology)
• Cataract Extraction (adverse effects, methods)
• Endophthalmitis (etiology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Lenses, Intraocular
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Middle Aged
• Nylons
• Polyesters
• Postoperative Complications
• Sutures
• Visual Acuity
• Wound Healing