A Comprehensive Guide to Surgical Sutures: Everything You Need to Know

Surgical sutures are a type of surgical thread that is used to close surgical incisions. They can also be used to attach tissues or organs. Sutures come in different sizes and materials, depending on the surgery that they will be used for. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of surgical sutures, as well as how to use them correctly. We will also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of each type of suture.

There are two main types of surgical sutures: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable sutures are made from materials that are broken down by the body over time, while non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that the body does not break down.

Absorbable Sutures

Absorbable sutures are made from materials that are broken down by the body over time. The most common type of absorbable suture is made from collagen, which is a protein found in the skin. Absorbable sutures are slowly broken down by the body, and they usually take around six weeks to fully dissolve.

Absorbable sutures are often used for internal tissues that do not need support for a long period. They are also sometimes used for external wounds that are not under a lot of stress. Absorbable sutures are not typically used for wounds that are under a lot of stress, such as joints or tendons, because they can cause the wound to reopen.

Non-Absorbable Sutures

Non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that the body does not break down. The most common type of non-absorbable suture is made from nylon, which is a synthetic material. Non-absorbable sutures are not broken down by the body, and they can stay in place for years.

Non-absorbable sutures are often used for wounds that are under a lot of stress, such as joints or tendons. They are also sometimes used for internal tissues that need support for a long period. Non-absorbable sutures can cause irritation and inflammation, so they are not typically used for external wounds.

How to Use Surgical Sutures

Surgical sutures are usually placed by a surgeon or a medical professional. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin and then insert the suture through the wound. The suture is then tied off, and the ends are cut.

Sutures should be placed as close to the wound as possible. They should also be placed in a straight line so that they can hold the wound closed evenly. Sutures should be tied off tightly, but not so tight that they cause the skin to pucker.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Surgical Sutures

Surgical sutures have both benefits and drawbacks. The main benefit of surgical sutures is that they can help to close wounds quickly. They can also help to reduce the risk of infection.

The main drawback of surgical sutures is that they can cause irritation and inflammation. They can also cause the skin to pucker if they are tied off too tightly. If surgical sutures are not placed correctly, they can also cause the wound to reopen.