Chromic catgut has been treated with chromic acid salts to affect cross-bindng, which delays hydrolysis. It should not be used where absorption progresses before healing is complete enough to restore adequate tensile strength. Absorption can be unpredictable, particularly in contaminated or infected wounds. It is inappropriate to use catgut for the closure of the abdominal musculoaponeurosis.

In the author's view the use of predictable synthetic absorbables, such as polyglactin, is preferable to the use of catgut in all branches of surgery.