Suture Sunday: Let’s Talk Monocryl 🪡

If you’re in surgery, Sundays aren’t for rest — they’re for sutures.

Today’s spotlight: Monocryl (by Ethicon), a popular absorbable, monofilament suture that’s typically used for skin closure. If you’re more familiar with Medtronic/Covidien products, Monocryl is comparable to Biosyn or Caprosyn.

Because it’s used to close the incision at the end of a procedure, Monocryl is usually the last suture passed — which also means it’s the last one counted. So when you see it on your back table, be ready to complete your final count once it’s in play. Monocryl is especially common in plastic surgery because of its clear finish — making for a smooth (or should I say seamless 😅) closure on the skin. There’s also a violet-dyed version.

And of course, we can’t talk about suture without mentioning needles. When it comes to Monocryl for skin closure, you’ll most often find it paired with smaller needles.

The one I see the most? A PS-1 or PS-2 needle on a 4-0 Monocryl.

If you’re using Medtronic or Covidien sutures, that would be comparable to a P-14 or P-12. Knowing your sutures — and how they’re typically used — is a small thing that makes a big difference when setting up your case.

Whether you’re prepping for plastics, general surgery, or anything in between, being intentional with your suture game keeps your field tight, your surgeon focused, and your patient safe.