Surgical suture

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== Surgical Suture ==

A surgical suture is a medical device used to hold body tissues together after an injury or surgery. Suturing generally involves using a needle with an attached length of thread. There are many different types of sutures, with various properties and uses.

Types of Sutures

Sutures can be classified into two main categories: absorbable and non-absorbable.

• Absorbable sutures: These are designed to be broken down by the body over time and do not require removal. Common materials include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and catgut.
• Non-absorbable sutures: These are not broken down by the body and may need to be removed after the wound has healed. Common materials include silk, polypropylene, and nylon.

Suture Techniques

There are various techniques for suturing, including:

• Interrupted sutures: Each stitch is tied individually. This technique is often used for its strength and flexibility.
• Continuous sutures: A series of stitches using a single strand of suture material. This technique is faster and distributes tension evenly.
• Subcuticular sutures: Placed just under the skin, these sutures are often used for cosmetic reasons as they leave minimal scarring.

Suture Materials

Suture materials can be natural or synthetic. Natural materials include silk and catgut, while synthetic materials include nylon, polypropylene, and polydioxanone.

Suture Sizes

Suture sizes are standardized by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and range from very fine (11-0) to very thick (5). The size chosen depends on the tissue being sutured and the required strength.

Suture Needles

Suture needles come in various shapes and sizes, including:

• Straight needles: Used for easily accessible areas.
• Curved needles: Used for deeper tissues and confined spaces.
• Cutting needles: Have a sharp edge and are used for tough tissues.
• Tapered needles: Have a rounded edge and are used for delicate tissues.

Complications

Complications from sutures can include infection, suture granuloma, and suture abscess. Proper technique and material selection are crucial to minimize these risks.

Related Pages

• Absorbable suture
• Non-absorbable suture
• Surgical needle
• Wound healing
• Surgical instrument
• Catgut
• Polyglycolic acid
• Polylactic acid
• Polypropylene
• Nylon