Absorbable sutures
During surgery, sutures are used to close incisions. These are made of synthetic materials, such as polypropylene and polyester, and natural materials, such as silk and animal products. These sutures are categorized based on the material they are made of and their properties. They are also classified based on their size and consistency.
Absorbable sutures are a special type of stitches that are designed to dissolve in the body as the wound heals. This helps to prevent the body from acquiring foreign body nidus or causing other complications. They are commonly used in deep tissues, such as the skin and muscle, where healing is fast and tissue needs a strong suture. However, absorbable stitches are not suitable for wounds that will require permanent closure. They are also not effective at preventing infection.
Absorbable sutures are made from fibers that line the intestines of animals. These fibers break down in the body through enzymatic reactions. The process is called hydrolysis. This is especially important in the early days of healing. It is important to take care of absorbable stitches by cleaning them regularly and watching for signs of excess bleeding and inflammation. If these symptoms occur, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Another type of stitch is non-absorbable. These stitches are still able to hold fibrous internal tissues together, but they are removed once the wound has healed. They may be left in permanently, or they may be removed by the doctor. The main difference between these two types of stitches is that non-absorbable sutures are not broken down by the body.
This means that they are stronger and less likely to break during the first week. The tensile strength of these sutures is higher than those made from synthetic materials. They are also more resistant to the effects of enzymatic action. They are a good option for long-term tissue wound closure.
Aside from the material of the suture, the size and thickness of the tissue will also affect its properties. Generally, thicker sutures have a higher breaking strength. Depending on the type of tissue, a doctor can choose the type of suture that is best for the patient. Some of the most common non-absorbable sutures are made of polyester, silk, or polypropylene.
Another type of stitch is the monofilament suture. This is a single-stranded filament that allows for easier passage of tissue. These sutures are not as easy to handle as other types of stitches, but they have a lower risk of infection. Often, a multifilament suture is braided to provide additional security. If the tissue is very spongy, a suture can be matched to the shape of the tissue to minimize the chances of it being twisted or ripped. These sutures are often used for vascular anastomosis.
Another type of suture is the polyglycolic acid (Dexon(r)) suture. This is a braided polymer that was introduced in 1970 as the first absorbable suture. It has an absorption profile that is predictable, thereby reducing the reactivity of the tissue. It is typically absorbed after 120 days. The disadvantage of this type of stitch is that it does not provide much tensile strength during the initial few weeks of healing.
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