Abstract: A desiccated, that is, dry absorbable synthetic surgical element of a polymer subject to hydrolytic degradation to non-toxic, tissue-compatible, absorbable components, such as polyglycolic acid suture, is packaged in an airtight sealed container which is substantially impervious to water vapor such as a laminate film having a metallic foil layer. The gaseous contents of the envelope are, prior to sealing the suture within the envelope, either evacuated or replaced with a gas which is inert towards said surgical element and which is substantially free from water. The water content should be below 0.5% by weight of the weight of the surgical element, and preferably is and remains below 0.05% by weight. Desiccated polyglycolic acid sutures and other elements thus packaged retain acceptable levels of strength for at least one year at storage temperatures of 72.degree. F. and ambient humidity outside the package. The contents may be sterilized by using ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Polyglycolic acid surgical elements, particularly sutures, are colored green to contrast with tissue, blood, and surroundings by extruding while melted the polyglycolic acid and concurrently in an optically homogeneous dispersion, from about 0.03% to 0.5% by weight of 1,4-bis(p-toluidino)-anthraquinone (D&C Green No. 6).

Abstract: A fiber finish for absorbable glycolic acid polymer fiber which consists of a mixture of a specific class of pharmaceutical grade light mineral oils and sorbitan monolaurate in xylene, and a method of finishing such fibers.