Surgery: Suture Types and Classifications

Vocabulary flashcards covering suture classifications, degradation mechanisms, material compositions, and clinical indications based on Dr. Zainab Vora's coreBTR surgery notes.

Polyfilament sutures

Sutures that are stronger than monofilament sutures but carry an increased risk of infection due to crevices.

Synthetic absorbable suture degradation mechanism

Hydrolysis.

Natural absorbable suture degradation mechanism

Enzymatic degradation.

Monocryl (Polyglycaprone)

A synthetic absorbable suture that is white in color and indicated for subcuticular sutures.

PDS (Polydioxanone)

A synthetic absorbable suture indicated for Whipple's procedure and laparoscopic port site closure.

Vicryl (Polyglactin)

A synthetic absorbable suture supplied in violet tubes, commonly used for the ureter, bowel, and fallopian tubes.

Dexon (Polyglycolic acid)

A synthetic absorbable suture notable for a significantly increased risk of infection.

Catgut

A natural absorbable suture derived from sheep's ileum submucosa (Hunter) with an absorption time of approximately 60 days.

Chromic Catgut

A natural absorbable suture that lasts 90 days, causes maximum tissue reaction, and is used for tubal ligation.

Nylon (Polyamide / Ethilon)

A synthetic non-absorbable suture used for nerves, tendons, cataract surgery, microsurgeries, and neurosurgeries.

Prolene (Polypropylene)

A synthetic non-absorbable suture with high tensile strength used for mesh, vascular structures, and rectus sheath repair.

Novafil

A synthetic non-absorbable suture made of polybutester.

Ethibond

A synthetic non-absorbable suture composed of polyester.

Silk suture

A black, natural non-absorbable suture commonly used to secure drains.