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What are Absorbable Sutures?

E.A. Judkins
E.A. Judkins

Sutures are stitches sewn by doctors to hold tissue together until the body has time to heal itself. Absorbable sutures are stitches that naturally decompose in the body, usually disappearing within 10 days to 8 weeks. Since they break down in the body, there is no need for them to be removed.

Absorbable sutures are usually used as surgical sutures to hold together internal body tissues. They may also be used in patients who cannot return to the doctor to get the more traditional sutures removed. In some instances, absorbable sutures may be either rejected and/or attacked by the body as a foreign substance and cause inflammation. For this reason, they are not commonly used on skin wounds. In addition, scarring is generally less common with non-absorbable sutures.

Absorbable sutures are stitches that naturally decompose in the body, usually disappearing within 10 days to 8 weeks.
Absorbable sutures are stitches that naturally decompose in the body, usually disappearing within 10 days to 8 weeks.

There are many different types of absorbable sutures for physicians to choose from, depending on the type of wound. They are divided into two broad categories: organic and synthetic. Organic sutures contain catgut, which is derived from the intestines of cows. Catgut sutures are banned from use in Japan and Europe for fear of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), although the herds are tested for BSE before harvesting is begun. Synthetic dissolving sutures are made from a wide range of materials, including glycolide, polydioxanone, and caprolactone.

Absorbable sutures are placed in much the same way as other stitches, but do not have to be removed at a later date.
Absorbable sutures are placed in much the same way as other stitches, but do not have to be removed at a later date.

A physician bases his or her suture decision on the type and the mobility of the wound area. The strength of suture required for the job, the amount of time the suture will need to remain strong, the risk of infection, and aesthetics are also considered. The doctor must also take into account the flexibility of the suture material, as a knot generally ties off each stitch.

Absorbable sutures are typically used for surgical incisions that can't be accessed after surgery.
Absorbable sutures are typically used for surgical incisions that can't be accessed after surgery.

In addition to dissolving sutures, physicians have many other options available to them in closing wounds. The class of non-absorbable sutures includes those that are organic, such as silk sutures, and those that are synthetic. These include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, stainless steel wire, and surgical staples. Skin closure tapes, which are special adhesive strips used to hold the skin together, may be used to close smaller wounds or in place of sutures if the patient's skin is especially fragile or compromised. Another alternative is to use adhesive agents, which act like a kind of glue to hold the wound closed while it heals.

There are many different types of absorbable sutures for physicians to choose from.
There are many different types of absorbable sutures for physicians to choose from.

No matter how the wound is held together, it is important to follow a physician's instructions on caring for the wound, especially with regard to bandaging, applying anything topically, and keeping the wound area dry. All of these are factors in preventing infection, minimizing scarring, and in keeping the integrity of the sutures intact so they can do their job. Follow-up appointments are important and should be rescheduled as soon as possible if they must be missed.

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    • Absorbable sutures are stitches that naturally decompose in the body, usually disappearing within 10 days to 8 weeks.
      By: dacasdo
      Absorbable sutures are stitches that naturally decompose in the body, usually disappearing within 10 days to 8 weeks.
    • Absorbable sutures are placed in much the same way as other stitches, but do not have to be removed at a later date.
      By: Nancy Hjxson
      Absorbable sutures are placed in much the same way as other stitches, but do not have to be removed at a later date.
    • Absorbable sutures are typically used for surgical incisions that can't be accessed after surgery.
      By: Sherry Young
      Absorbable sutures are typically used for surgical incisions that can't be accessed after surgery.
    • There are many different types of absorbable sutures for physicians to choose from.
      By: freepeoplea
      There are many different types of absorbable sutures for physicians to choose from.
    • A numbing agent is typically administered before stitches are performed on a patient.
      By: dpyancy
      A numbing agent is typically administered before stitches are performed on a patient.
    • Skin closure tape may be used in place of sutures for patients who have fragile skin.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Skin closure tape may be used in place of sutures for patients who have fragile skin.
    • It's important to follow a physician's orders with regard to bandaging for any wound.
      By: sudok1
      It's important to follow a physician's orders with regard to bandaging for any wound.
    • Sutures are used to hold tissue together until the body has time to heal itself.
      By: MarcoBagnoli Elflaco
      Sutures are used to hold tissue together until the body has time to heal itself.