The performance and handling capacities of two synthetic absorbable sutures, the monofilament suture Maxon and the multifilament suture Dexon Plus, were compared to study if these sutures are acceptable as all-purpose suture materials in abdominal hysterectomy. Four senior gynecological surgeons performed altogether 102 hysterectomies and made an assessment of handling qualities. Fifty one patients were sutured with Maxon and 51 age-matched controls with Dexon Plus. Maxon proved to be superior to Dexon Plus in terms of knot rundown, tissue drag and knot repositioning whereas, in terms of suppleness, tensile strength and knot security both suture materials were comparable. Vaginal granulation was seen in five patients operated on with Dexon Plus and only in one patient in the Maxon group. According to this study Maxon is as safe and efficacious as Dexon Plus for abdominal hysterectomy and its handling properties were even better than those of Dexon Plus.