Surgical Suture

Sutures, or stitches, are materials used to close a wound. They are used in an attempt to improve and speed healing. Pulling the edges of a wound together and stitching help in healing process. Sutures are used to close cuts from injuries or surgery. They are commonly used on the skin, internal tissues, organs, and blood vessels.

Suture material
Different types of materials can be used to close a wound depending upon the style of wound, location and depth in the body. The material can be special glue, staples, animal protein or thread like materials. Usually , the suture material comprises

Polyester Silk Nylon Stainless steel wire

Suture technology

Braided Plain Monofilament

Types of sutures
These sutures can further be

Absorbable suture: The absorbable ones get dissolved in the body on their own and do not require removal. Non absorbable suture: The non absorbable ones have to be removed after specified time. The type of suture is decided again by the location of the wound.

The internal layers are stitched by absorbable sutures and the upper or the skin may be stitched by the non absorbable sutures. Local or general anesthesia has to be given to the patient as per the requirement before suturing.

Features

The body of suture is smooth. The body of the suture does not cause any capillary and repelling reaction. Due to the softness of the suture, it will not tear at tissue. It is easy to knot and the knot tied is firm. The breaking strength of suture and knot are strong. The sewing is made firm, which is best for the healing of the patient without ductility.

Depending on the different human organs and operating location, different kinds and sizes of suture needles are chosen. The common features are that the body is smooth, the point type is sharp, and is painless to the human.

Nonabsorbable Sutures Features
All nonabsorbable sutures are manufactured keeping in mind several fundamental characteristics, such as follows:

Uniform diameter Uniform size Sterility Pliability for ease of handling Knot security Uniform tensile strength Freedom from irritants or impurities