Types of surgical Sutures

Published:June 12,2024,

Gokulraj 

 Sutures:

              Sutures are stitches or surgical threads used to hold together the edges of a wound or incision to promote healing. They come in various materials like silk, nylon, or absorbable materials, and are employed in different medical procedures, from surgery to wound closure.

Types of sutures:

1)Absorbable sutures

2) Non-absorbable sutures

1)Absorbable sutures:

Absorbable sutures are stitches that break down over time within the body. They're typically made from materials like,

• Natural
• synthetic 

Natural(catgut):

Catgut sutures types of surgical used, The nature absorbable sutures from taken cow, sheep,coat collogen small intestine taken  in the sutures chromium solution added catgut chromium or without chromium in catgut plain sutures. Catgut sutures complete body own proteolytic enzyme degrade in 90days completed.

                        Figure:Catgut sutures

Synthetic:

Synthetic suture materials are typically composed of polymer compounds. These compounds are engineered to provide specific properties such as strength, flexibility, absorption rate, and biocompatibility. Some common synthetic polymer compounds used in sutures include:

1. Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
2. Polyglactin (e.g., Polyglactin 910)
3. Polylactic acid (PLA)
4. Polydioxanone (PDO)
5. Polycaprolactone (PCL).

                    Figure: Absorbable synthetic sutures 

2.Non absorbable sutures:

• Non-absorbable sutures are made of materials that resist enzymatic digestion and must be removed by a doctor after the wound has healed. If left in place and not removed on time, it can lead to complications like excessive scarring, a high risk of infection, the formation of abscesses, or a stitch sinus. 

Two types sutures in non absorbable:

• Natural
• synthetic

Natural (silk):

•  Black braided silk suture is a non-absorbable sterile surgical suture composed of natural material silk which is obtained from silkworm. 
• Unisil silk sutures are braided with special technology to ensure tight braiding, better strength and performance.urgical suture composed of natural material silk which is obtained from silkworm. Unisil sutures are coloured with FDA approved black dye for enhanced visibility. 
• Unsil sutures are coated with wax/silicon which facilitates the easy passage through the tissue. Unisil silk sutures are braided with special technology to ensure tight braiding, better strength and performance.

                          Figure: Silk black braided sutures 

Synthetic:

           Non-absorbable synthetic sutures are commonly made from materials like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene. They are used for wound closure in surgeries and medical procedures where long-term support is needed, as they do not degrade or absorb in the body over time. These sutures provide strong and durable wound closure, making them suitable for various surgical applications.

                       Figure: Non-absorbable sutures