Types of Sutures by Material
-
Absorbable
Sutures:
-
Description:
These sutures degrade and are absorbed by the body over time.
-
Examples:
-
Chromic
Gut: Treated natural collagen, absorption in 10-21 days.
-
Vicryl
(Polyglactin 910): Synthetic, braided, absorption in ~56-70 days.
-
PDS
(Polydioxanone): Synthetic, monofilament, absorption in ~180 days.
-
Monocryl
(Poliglecaprone 25): Synthetic, monofilament, absorption in ~90-120
days.
-
Common
Uses: Internal tissue, gastrointestinal, gynecology, pediatrics.
Non-Absorbable
Sutures:
-
Description:
These sutures are not absorbed and may need removal or provide permanent
support.
-
Examples:
-
SILK:
Natural, braided, used for soft tissue approximation.
-
Nylon
(Ethilon): Synthetic, monofilament, minimal tissue reaction.
-
Polypropylene
(Prolene): Synthetic, monofilament, high biocompatibility.
-
Polyester
(Ethibond): Synthetic, braided, durable.
-
Common
Uses: Skin closures, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and long-term repairs.
Types of Needles
-
By
Shape:
-
Straight
Needles: Used for superficial skin closures or easily accessible tissues.
-
Curved
Needles:
-
1/4
Circle: Fine, delicate tissues.
-
3/8
Circle: Versatile, commonly used in general surgery.
-
1/2
Circle: Deep tissue suturing, abdominal closures.
-
5/8
Circle: For confined spaces (e.g., oral or urology).
By
Needle Point:
-
Taper
Point: Rounded tip, spreads tissue without cutting, used for soft tissue
(e.g., muscle, fascia).
-
Cutting
Point:
-
Regular
Cutting: Cutting edge on the inner curve, used for skin and tough
tissues.
-
Reverse
Cutting: Cutting edge on the outer curve, reduces tearing in skin.
-
Blunt
Point: Rounded and dull, used for friable tissues like liver or kidney.
By
Needle Size:
-
Measured
by Length (e.g., 19mm, 24mm) and curvature (e.g., 3/8", 1/2").
-
Smaller
needles (e.g., 13mm) for delicate work; larger needles for tougher
tissue.