Reaction to silk suture in children undergoing neurosurgery: case reports and review of the literature.

摘要

Theodor Kocher began using silk sutures in the late nineteenth century as a result of the overwhelming number of surgical infections related to catgut [10]. When compared to catgut, silk is not only cheaper but is also more easily sterilized [7]. Silk sutures tend to react less with tissues and result in stronger wound closures [3]. Harvey Cushing used the silk suture with a delicate curved needle for neurosurgical purposes [1] and silk has remained a popular suture material in neurosurgery. However, inflammation along the suture line is sometimes noticeable immediately after surgery. Also, silk sutures can lead to suppuration and sinus draining when used in clean wounds [3]. However, delayed silk allergies are rare [9, 15].