Featured Image Caption: Types of Surgical Sutures
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Sutures are sterile surgical threads that are also known as stitches. They are commonly used to repair minor and severe cuts. They are also used to close incisions that were created during a surgical procedure.
When a deep wound is created during an operation, the surgeon may need to sew the two wound edges together, layer by layer. Sutures may be set underneath the skin in order to keep the wound closed while the patient recovers.
The quality of the suture material is of paramount importance. When the best quality materials are used, the surgical site may seem indiscernible to the naked eye. As well, high-quality materials will accelerate the healing process and reduce patient discomfort.
Less surgical scarring has been shown to not only improve physical health, but also mental well-being and overall outcomes. It should be noted, too, that surgical sutures are sterilized. Their diameter also tends to be uniform.
The biocompatibility of surgical sutures is second-to-none. In other words, a top-quality medical suture will not be carcinogenic or allergenic. Here, we will focus on how to choose high-quality medical sutures.
Different Types of Medical Sutures
Absorbable sutures will break down over time. They will be eliminated by the human anatomy either via hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation, and they will lose their tensile strength.
As such, they are commonly used to close wounds on a temporary basis. They are usually used during situations where it would be difficult or dangerous to extract sutures. Additionally, they are often used in order to allow tissues to heal in an adequate manner.
Non-absorbable sutures are usually removed by a doctor after an external wound has adequately healed. They are not commonly broken down by the body. They are designed for tissues that heal slowly and for long-term enclosures.
Both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures can be made from synthetic materials or natural materials. For instance, nylon is a synthetic suture material, while silk is an organic suture material.
Staples may be used as an alternative to suturing in some instances. Staples are commonly used for procedures that need to be completed rapidly. They may also be used in order to close areas that are difficult to stitch.
Main Features of High-Quality Surgical Sutures
A multifilament suture will provide superior tensile strength, and may give more protection for a prolonged period of time. However, it may augment the risk of tissue reaction and may cause drag.
A monofilament suture may cause less drag, and could accelerate the healing process. However, it will also wear out and shrink faster than multifilament sutures. The ideal medical suture will hold the wound in a secure manner until it completely heals.
It should be relatively small while also boasting impressive tensile strength characteristics. If you choose the wrong suture type, then healing may be delayed and an infection could form.
In order to take care of the wound site, you need to keep the stitches dry for one to two days. You should also not scrub or scratch the incision, and you can use mild soap and cool water to clean around the stitches a few days after the operation.
Different Suturing Techniques
The interrupted method will provide a superior sealing of the wound edge, creating a scar that is significantly less visible than other surgical scars.
The continuous method is quicker than the interrupted method. However, it tends to strangle the blood supply of the afflicted area and is weaker than its counterparts as well.
The buried suture method is designed to suture the dermis layer of the patient’s skin to eliminate dead space. In other words, it is used to close gaping and large wounds.
The vertical mattress method is utilized in areas that are prone to inversion, including the posterior area of the neck. It may be used to close lax skin after a dermoid cyst has been extracted.
The horizontal mattress method provides impressive wound eversion and tensile strength. Wounds under high tension may benefit greatly from this technique.
Subcuticular suturing provides the best cosmetic outcome. However, it is a complicated technique that must be performed correctly to yield the desired results.
A purse-string suture involves stitching in a circle around the open component of the patient’s anatomy. The two ends of the material are then pulled together in order to close the stitched areas, organs, and skin to close.
How to Choose the Best Medical Sutures
In order to choose the best medical sutures, the surgeon will need to consider the ease of use, the type of tissue affected, as well as how long the suture is to remain in place. For deep incisions, the texture of the suture must be sufficiently thick.
Thinner sutures may be ideal for minor surgical procedures. Sterility, knot security, uniform diameter, and minimal tissue reactivity are also optimal properties of the best medical sutures on the market.
In addition, the medical suture should have some form of material coating in order to reduce tissue drag. Pliability also needs to be considered by the surgeon prior to the operation. As can be seen, many factors need to be considered when choosing a medical suture kit.
Making the Right Choice
The words “suture” and “stitches” are used interchangeably in the medical field. There are a wide array of sutures to choose from, with each providing unique benefits as well as certain drawbacks.
Choosing the right material is key to promoting optimal recovery, reducing the risk of infection, and helping minimize scarring, inflammation, pain, and discomfort. Your surgeon will determine the ideal suture material and technique based on the surgical procedure and the extent of your injuries.
Your doctor will also provide you with aftercare instructions that you should follow to properly clean and tend to the surgical site. It is important to follow their instructions to the letter in order to accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of post-surgery complications.
By Erin Gregory
who is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
Member since July, 2022
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