A comparative trial of polyglycolic acid and silk as suture materials for accidental wounds.

A prospective clinical trial compared polyglycolic acid (P.G.A.) suture material with silk in the closure of wounds in 1000 patients attending the accident service of a district hospital. Statistical analysis showed the incidence of inflammatory reaction and suppuration to be significantly lower in wounds sutured with P.G.A. The analysis took into account the site of the wound, and the age and sex of the patients. P.G.A. sutures rather than silk are therefore recommended in the treatment of wounds in an accident service.