What Is Monocryl Suture?

Monocryl is the trade name for a synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture material made primarily from poliglecaprone 25. It was developed by Ethicon (a Johnson & Johnson company) and has become a commonly used suture in both human and veterinary surgery. Because Monocryl is a monofilament, it consists of a single smooth strand rather than multiple braided fibers, which gives it distinct handling and healing properties.

How Monocryl Works

Monocryl is designed to hold tissues together temporarily while they heal, then gradually absorb into the body. The absorption occurs through hydrolysis, a process in which water in the tissue breaks down the suture material into harmless byproducts that are metabolized and excreted. In veterinary patients, Monocryl typically loses about 50–60% of its tensile strength within one week and is completely absorbed within 90–120 days, depending on species, tissue type, and overall health.

Uses of Monocryl in Veterinary Medicine

Monocryl is popular in soft tissue surgeries where rapid healing is expected and long-term support is not required. Common veterinary uses include:

  • Subcutaneous and intradermal closures (especially in dogs and cats)
  • Spay/neuter incisions (for buried skin sutures)
  • Gastrointestinal or urogenital surgery where quick healing is anticipated
  • Mucosal and submucosal tissues

Because Monocryl is absorbable and has a smooth texture, it is well tolerated by tissues and minimizes inflammation compared to some older materials.

Key Characteristics of Monocryl

  • Material: Poliglecaprone 25 (synthetic copolymer)
  • Structure: Monofilament (single strand)
  • Absorption: Complete in 90–120 days
  • Tensile Strength Retention: ~50–60% at 1 week, ~20–30% at 2 weeks
  • Tissue Reaction: Minimal; very low inflammation
  • Handling: Smooth, good pliability, but can have more “memory” (tendency to return to coil shape) than braided sutures

These properties make Monocryl an excellent choice for clean, rapidly healing wounds, though it may not be suitable where longer-term tensile strength is required.

Comparison with Other Suture Types

Feature

Monocryl

PDS II (Polydioxanone)

Vicryl (Polyglactin 910)

Type

Monofilament

Monofilament

Braided

Absorbable

Yes

Yes

Yes

Tensile Strength Duration

Short (1–2 weeks)

Long (4–6 weeks)

Moderate (2–3 weeks)

Tissue Reaction

Minimal

Minimal

Slightly higher (due to braiding)

Knot Security

Good

Good

Excellent

Common Uses

Subcuticular, intradermal, mucosa

Fascia, muscle layers

Soft tissue, ligatures

Compared to Vicryl, Monocryl glides more easily through tissue and causes less drag since it’s a monofilament. However, it doesn’t provide as much knot security or long-lasting strength. Compared to PDS, Monocryl absorbs faster, making it better for short-term applications but unsuitable for areas that require prolonged support.

Advantages of Monocryl in Veterinary Use

  • Smooth passage through tissue with minimal drag
  • Excellent handling and flexibility
  • Rapid absorption — ideal for fast-healing sites
  • Low tissue reactivity — reduces risk of irritation or abscess formation
  • Predictable absorption profile

Limitations and Considerations

  • Loses strength quickly — not ideal for slow-healing tissues (e.g., fascia, tendons)
  • Slight “memory” can make knot tying more challenging
  • Should not be used where prolonged wound support is needed

Conclusion

Monocryl suture is a trusted, absorbable option in veterinary surgery, particularly valued for its smooth handling, low tissue reaction, and predictable absorption. It shines in soft tissue procedures that heal quickly, such as subcutaneous closures and skin suturing. While not suitable for all cases—especially those requiring long-term tensile strength—Monocryl remains a go-to choice for veterinarians seeking a clean, reliable closure with minimal tissue trauma.

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Related: Product Codes and Identification for Monocryl Sutures, Carprofen: Uses, Benefits, and Safety in Veterinary Medicine, and Butorphanol for Dogs: Uses, Effects, and Considerations Also see: AI Answering Service for Animal Hospitals: 24/7 Coverage, Safer Triage, and Smoother Scheduling, AI Chatbot for Animal Hospitals: From Basic FAQ to True Clinical Support Partner, AI Tools for Veterinary Clinics: Documentation That Writes Itself (So You Don’t Have To) Also see: Automation as Your Legal Shield: How AI-Generated Medical Records Reduce Malpractice Risk, Beyond "Pajama Time": How AI Scribes Are Curing Veterinary Burnout, Beyond the Keyboard: How AI is Revolutionizing Clinical Documentation.