Suture Materials For MBBS, Nursing, Allied Courses

Suture Materials for MBBS

1. Suture Materials

2. Introduction Surgical suture is a medical device which helps in holding body tissues together after an injury (Trauma, surgery). Goals of Suturing Wound closure or edge apposition Anastomosis Hemostasis Provide adequate tension Provide aesthetically pleasing scar

3. Ideal Characteristics of Suture Material Easy to handle Predictable behavior in tissues Predictable tensile strength Sterile Glides through tissues easily Secure knotting ability Inexpensive Minimal tissue reaction Non-capillary Non-allergenic Non-carcinogenic

4. Classification Based on Absorbability Absorbable Non- Absorbable Based on Source Natural Synthetic Based on Structure Monofilament Multifilament

5. Characteristics to Consider While Selecting Suture material Tensile Strength Force required to break it while pulling two ends apart Depends on Material, Thickness, Tissue Reaction Tensile Behaviour Behave differently depending upon their deformability and flexibility Can be elastic or plastic Can demonstrate Memory – more memory less knot security Biological Behaviour Depends on the raw material and largely determines absorbability Proteolysis, Hydrolysis, Enzymatic degradation, Fibrous Encapsulation Natural – Unpredictable, Synthetic – Predictable

6. Absorbability Absorbable Loses tensile strength in 60 days May or may not be completely absorbed Proteolysis, Hydrolysis Non-Absorbable Retains tensile strength beyond 60 days Fibrous encapsulation Slowly Absorbable or Never Absorbed Physical Structure Monofilament Single filament Smooth, Easy to slide through tissues Difficult to knot effectively Easily damaged by needle holder causing fracture of filament Multifilament Multiple filaments braided together Easy to knot Large surface area and interstices responsible for capillary action and bacterial infection Persistent sinus or fistulas are common

7. Size of Suture Material

8. Suturing Needle