The market size for surgical sutures was $3.33 billion in 2020 and is growing at a rate of 6% CAGR. Why? Because their importance on the operating table cannot be understated. Surgical sutures are used to seal wounds and incisions.
There are many types of sutures based on quality and utilization. So, choosing a suitable suture for a particular surgery is crucial to guarantee appropriate wound closure and healing.
This article explores the many suture kinds, their uses, and their integration into various medical operations. By exploring absorbable, non-absorbable, loop, braided, monofilament, and multifilament sutures, we aim to provide an extensive overview of their respective applications.
Let’s get started!
Types of Surgical Sutures and Their Uses
Surgical Sutures can be made from various materials for multiple surgical procedures, including natural and synthetic fibers and metals.
Also, sutures can be classified based on content, structure, and other characteristics. For example, we can classify them based on material as absorbable and non-absorbable sutures or based on the structure as monofilament and multifilament sutures.
But let’s have an in-depth look at all these:
Absorbable Sutures
Absorbable sutures disintegrate in the skin after some months. This is because they break down over time into harmless substances that your body can metabolize. And because of this, they don’t need removal once placed.
This makes them ideal for delicate tissues that need extra protection while healing. More so, they do not cause trauma upon removal. This is unlike non-absorbable counterparts when taken out prematurely before the tissue has entirely healed around it properly.
Each form of suture may be preferred for various purposes for various factors. So let’s find out through the types of absorbable sutures below:
- Gut sutures are often considered the gold standard for absorbability and are often used in surgeries such as Cesarean sections.
- PDS is a synthetic mesh commonly used to repair organs such as heart valves and esophageal scars.
- MONOCRYL is a type of grafting tape coated with a polymer to make it more durably attached to the skin.
- Vicryl is a popular stitch material made from natural latex that can be easily removed without causing any damage to the surrounding tissue. They disintegrate rapidly within the body after wound closure.
Sutures That Don’t Absorb
Non-absorbable sutures are complex and won’t totally dissolve in the body, but they will deteriorate over time. Once inside the body, they can irritate as they slowly move around through the different tissues.
Non-absorbable sutures help mend soft tissue structures, including the neurological and circulatory systems. They are also used when the cosmetic outcome is crucial. After all, they often leave fewer scars because they elicit a much weaker immune response. Depending on the wound’s severity, the sutures could be removed immediately or after a while.
Non-absorbable sutures exist in different kinds. First, we have those made of synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or particular silk. Nylon Sutures are a solid yet pliable material offering high tensile strength. Still, they cannot be absorbed by the body, making them ideal for use in areas with a likelihood of infection.
On the other hand, the silk suture type is a durable and sturdy material that cannot be absorbed by the body but poses a low risk of irritation when applied to fragile tissue or skin surfaces. This makes it ideal for specific surgical procedures where scarring must be kept to a minimum or avoided entirely.
Well, others are discussed below:
Acid polyglycolic (PGA)
This type of suture is made from a molecule known as polyglycolic acid. is designed to dissolve and be absorbed by the body over time, which eliminates the need for a follow-up suture removal procedure. The time it takes for the suture to dissolve varies depending on the thickness of the suture, the location of the wound, and other factors. This molecule is strong enough to withstand physical forces but weak enough to dissolve in water. PGA sutures often attach tissue during surgeries and prevent it from stretching or tearing apart further.
PGA sutures are often used in procedures such as general surgery, gynecological surgery, and cardiovascular surgery, among others. They are considered to be safe and effective, and have a low risk of causing an allergic reaction or tissue irritation.
Prolene monofilament cord (PMC)
PMC sutures are made from a single strand of thin plastic heat-sealed together. They have a high tensile strength and can rarely cause any problems once inside the body. PMC sutures can be used for various body structures, including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin.
Monofilament and Multifilament Sutures
One way to classify sutures is based on their structure, which can be monofilament or multifilament.
Monofilament sutures
Monofilament sutures are used in daily surgical procedures. These sutures are composed of a single strand of material and can be made from synthetic, absorbable, or non-absorbable materials. In situations where strength and durability are required for wound care in high-tension areas, such as facial surgery, monofilament sutures are used.
Monofilament sutures can be used either as an interrupted or continuous stitch, depending on the needs of the procedure. They also last longer than other types of suture material, providing better wound healing and less scarring. Doctors use various types of monofilament surgical sutures, such as polyglactic (Vicryl), chromic catgut (Chromic Gut), polyglycolic acid (Dexon), and plain catgut (Catguts) when performing different types of procedures.
After the procedure has been completed successfully and wound healing has begun, all the stitches need to be removed by your doctor or nurse practitioner. Again, this is due to the risk of infection if left too long after healing has taken place – so make sure you get that appointment booked!
Multifilament Sutures
Multifilament sutures, which offer a stronger binding than monofilaments alone, are constructed of many strands of material twisted or braided together, such as silk, polyester, or vinyl. They have a more textured surface, making them easier to handle and tie than monofilament sutures.
However, they can also be more prone to causing tissue trauma and inflammation and are more likely to harbor bacteria. Multifilament sutures are typically used for suturing soft tissues such as skin, muscles, and tendons, where they can provide greater strength and support.
But also more complex procedures requiring higher tensile strength, multifilament sutures may be used instead. Popular multifilament materials include nylon (Nuralon), silk, and polyester (Tricon). In addition to these two main categories, barbed-type stitching is also available, including Stratafix, Quill, and Durabarb, depending on your needs for that particular procedure.
Braided Sutures
Braided sutures are incredibly adaptable and practical for many operations. Made up of a combination of natural or synthetic filaments, these multifilament sutures offer immense value due to their strength and flexibility.
When compared to monofilament, which are formed of a single strand, braided sutures tend to be stronger. However, the braid provides superior control when closing wounds without causing tissue trauma and offers better knot security than non-braided types. In addition, braided sutures work best for wounds that need to be closed with more strain since they are more extensive.
Some popular choices among surgeons include black braided silk because it offers excellent control while still providing the strength and durability required for complex operations like cardiovascular repairs, where precision and accuracy are essential.
The choice between monofilament and multifilament sutures depends on the specific characteristics of the wound and the tissue being sutured. While multifilament sutures offer higher strength and support, monofilament sutures are less prone to induce tissue damage and infection. Therefore, the choice should be made by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s specific needs.
Barbed Sutures
Barbed sutures are synthetic and have a number of benefits over traditional stitches. They do not require knots and don’t often cause pain or tissue distortion. In fact, some users say that barbed sutures are almost painless. Also, they are found in unidirectional and bidirectional categories.
A barbed suture, also known as a knotless suture or self-retaining suture, is a type of surgical suture that is designed to hold tissue together without the need for knots. Unlike traditional sutures that require knots to be tied to secure the tissue, barbed sutures have small, backward-facing projections or “barbs” along their length that allow the suture to be anchored to the tissue as it is passed through, eliminating the need for knots.
This can help reduce the risk of tissue damage or irritation caused by knots, as well as make the suturing process quicker and easier for the surgeon. Barbed sutures are often used in procedures such as cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, and gynecology, as well as in general surgery for wound closure.
Choosing The Right Suture Type And Technique
Surgical suturing techniques involve careful placement of these materials and knot-tying skills so tissues remain secure until completely healed. This avoids any risk of bleeding or further injury due to improper technique during surgery.
This means taking special care when placing them near vital anatomical structures like arteries or veins. Again, this could be easily damaged if not handled correctly by experienced personnel who have had proper training using these methods safely under medical supervision.
Potential complications may arise from improper use of surgical suture techniques. These complications include:
- Infection is caused by bacteria entering through open wounds due to incorrect sterile techniques during surgery.
- Scarring can occur if too much tension is applied during stitching, leading to wide scars instead of desired thin lines along incision sites.
Also, sterilization plays an integral role in ensuring safety during all medical practices, so proper cleaning techniques must always be followed when handling any equipment related to surgical operations, like needles and suture needles, before use on patients. And doctors must always wear sterile gloves throughout every surgery performed.
Due to these reasons, always ensure you only entrust your healthcare needs to qualified personnel who understand how important it is to manage these details carefully!
Well, choosing the right suture type and technique is crucial in any medical procedure or project requiring stitches. When selecting your sutures, it’s vital to consider the types of materials that are available, and choose the right length and size, as will be covered below:
Type of Wound
Understanding the condition you are dealing with is essential to select the proper suture type. Then, depending on the type of wound, you should choose the material and size accordingly.
Available Material
Different materials, such as silk, cotton, and linen thread, are available for sutures to serve other purposes. However, surgical steel is preferred for deep cuts operations, depending on the task’s requirements.
Absorbable varieties typically dissolve quickly. Non-absorbable sutures remain intact until the wound fully recovers and does not break down.
Additionally, non-absorbable material has excellent elasticity, allowing it to conform nicely against irregularly shaped openings within tissues, making it perfect for oral surgery and skin closures.
Choice of Technique
The choice of technique depends on your project, whether it’s an interrupted stitch pattern, continuous pattern, or simple knotting at the corners.
The thread size and length
The thread size and length also affect the selection. Thicker threads provide more support but can only be comfortable with the appropriate size, whereas finer threads can result in a weaker structure, depending on the task. Longer lengths offer better flexibility, while shorter lengths provide increased strength in response to pull forces applied manually or by machines.
All of these considerations can influence the procedure’s success upon completion. Also, they affect patients’ potential requirement for additional medical attention due to complications that arise during treatment may be from improper suture selection or utilization techniques. Therefore, always remember to prioritize safety first!
Bear these critical factors in mind when determining the kind of suture type and technique suited to your requirements, and you’ll be sure to make an informed decision that best aligns with your current concern.
In a Nutshell
For wound closure and healing, surgical sutures are crucial. And as technology continues to advance, new types of sutures are being developed that offer even more excellent benefits over traditional sutures, including reduced inflammation and improved wound healing.
This article examines several suture types and their use in various medical operations. Each type offers unique benefits. For example, braided sutures provide superior control and strength, monofilament sutures are famous for their durability and strength, synthetic materials are strong and pliable, and absorbable varieties dissolve quickly.
Ultimately, choosing the suture type and technique is critical in achieving successful surgical outcomes and promoting patient recovery. It’s essential to consider elements like the location, kind, size, needed length of the closure, and patient’s general health when choosing a suture material. By carefully considering these factors, surgeons can ensure successful results in each procedure.
Get Your Supplies of Surgical Sutures from Medico Group
Medico Group is a medical supply and distribution company specializing in surgical sutures and their uses in various medical procedures. We also deal with surgical needles and syringes, among others. Our focus is to provide the highest quality sutures for the most precise needs, so you can rest assured that your patients will get the best results possible.
At Medico Group, we understand the importance of choosing a suitable suture for the job. That’s why we are dedicated to providing you with the latest information and research on the various types of sutures available and their applicability in different surgical procedures.
Join us, and let’s explore together the diverse world of sutures!