Absorbable Sutures

Absorbable sutures disintegrate in the body and can be used internally. Absorbable sutures include chromic/plain gut, monofyl/monocryl, PDO/PDS, and PGA/Vicryl.

Non-Absorbable Sutures

Non-absorbable sutures must be manually removed. Non-absorbable sutures include nylon, PGA/Vicryl, silk, polyester, and stainless steel.

Types of Sutures

Monofilament sutures include polypropylene, gut, nylon, stainless steel, etc. These provide a better passage through the tissue resulting in a lower tissue reaction. Multifilament sutures include PGA, polyglactin, silk, and polyester. Multifilament sutures are braided and may be coated with silicone, wax, etc. They provide better knot security over monofilament.

Suture Needles

Suture needles come in a wide variety of options. Straight suture needles are usually used when tissue is easily accessible and are useful for skin closure or microsurgical procedures. Half-Curved needles are beneficial in laparoscopic surgeries. 1/4 circle needles have a shallow curvature and are used on easily accessible convex surfaces. 3/8 circle needles are best used in confined locations. 5/8 needles are ideal for deep confined holes. Tapered suture needles have a round-bodied needle with a blunt point. Tapered needles are designed to pierce and separate tissue without cutting it. Cutting suture needles are used for general skin closure and can penetrate easily through tough tissue. Reverse cutting edge needles feature a cutting edge on the outer curvature.