Surgical Sutures Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic distinguishes Sofsilk from Stainless Steel sutures?

Sofsilk is extremely strong.

Sofsilk is a natural source, while Stainless Steel is synthetic. (correct)

Sofsilk has excellent tissue passage.

Sofsilk is monofilament.

Which type of suture needle requires the suture to be threaded through it?

French eyed needle

Blunt needle

Swaged needle

Eyed needle (correct)

What is a key advantage of swaged needles over eyed needles?

They are less traumatic to tissues. (correct)

They can pierce tough tissues more effectively.

They are stronger and less flexible.

They have a larger eye for easier threading.

Which suture type has poor knot security?

Prolene/Surgipro Signup and view all the answers

What type of needle point is most suitable for tough and dense tissues?

Cutting needle Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Vicryl/Polysorb sutures?

Synthetic, braided Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about monofilament sutures?

They have lower reactivity compared to braided sutures. Signup and view all the answers

Which suture type is described as excellent for knot security and has low reactivity?

Nurolon/Surgilon Signup and view all the answers

Which suture type provides excellent tissue passage and knot security?

Monocryl/Biosyn sutures Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is not associated with Stainless Steel sutures?

Excellent tissue passage Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use for nonabsorbable sutures?

Ideal for skin closure due to easy removal Signup and view all the answers

Which suture type is coated to reduce tissue drag?

Dexon Signup and view all the answers

In which scenarios are nonabsorbable sutures contraindicated?

Urinary tract repairs Signup and view all the answers

What kind of sutures are Maxon/PDS classified as?

Monofilament, synthetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sutures offers an excellent replacement for gut products?

Caprosyn Signup and view all the answers

What is true about nonabsorbable sutures?

They are encapsulated in the surrounding tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a suture?

To repair or re-approximate tissues Signup and view all the answers

Why have swaged sutures become preferred over traditional sutures that require passing through the needle's eye?

They reduce the risk of sharps injury. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT considered a preferred property of suture materials?

Causes significant tissue reaction Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ligature' refer to in relation to sutures?

A strand of suture used to occlude a vessel Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically considered when selecting suture material?

Cost of materials Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of high tensile strength in suture materials?

It helps the suture hold securely when knotted. Signup and view all the answers

What does the size of a suture refer to?

The diameter or gauge of the suture Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential practice to prevent needle stick or sharp injuries?

Properly disposing of needles in sharps containers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using a blunt needle in surgical procedures?

To minimize tissue tearing during biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when a surgeon asks for a suture?

Size, type, and needle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of needle is known for being attached to a suture material?

Swaged needle Signup and view all the answers

When loading a suture needle on a needle driver, where should the driver be clamped?

1/3 distance distal from the needle's shaft Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between braided and monofilament sutures?

Monofilament sutures have one single strand while braided sutures have multiple fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step before using any suture and needle in a surgical setting?

Assess for completeness and functionality Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the expiry date for a suture if only the manufactured date is provided?

5 years from the manufactured date Signup and view all the answers

What type of needle is referred to as closed eyed or spring eyed?

Eyed needle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of absorbable sutures?

Can be reused after sterilization Signup and view all the answers

Which pairs of suture names represent the same material produced by different manufacturers?

Chromic and Plain Gut Signup and view all the answers

What action should be avoided when manually straightening a suture?

Running gloved hands along the suture Signup and view all the answers

What must be done immediately after removing Chromic sutures from their package?

Use them without delay Signup and view all the answers

Why should the point of the needle not be touched with gloved hands?

To prevent risk of injury Signup and view all the answers

What should be done upon the return of the suture needle to the surgeon?

Guard it to prevent sharps injury Signup and view all the answers

Which suture material is considered a synthetic absorbable suture?

Polysorb Signup and view all the answers

What component of sutures must perioperative nurses be able to read and understand?

Suture package characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sutures and their Applications

Sutures are materials used for tissue repair and wound healing, also known as ligatures when specifically occluding vessels.
Historically, sutures were threaded through needles by scrub nurses; now, most are swaged, reducing the risk of sharps injuries.
Key factors affecting suture selection include tissue type, operation specifics, patient condition, infection risk, and surgeon preference.

Suture Characteristics

Preferred sutures are sterile, versatile, minimally traumatic, handle easily, secure well when knotted, possess high tensile strength, exhibit favorable absorption profiles, and resist infection.
Suture size, measured as diameter or gauge, is visible on packaging alongside expiry dates (typically five years from manufacturing).

Types of Suture Materials

Absorbable Sutures:
- Flexible strands derived from collagen or synthetic polymers, absorbed by the body.
- Common types: Surgical gut (Chromic), Vicryl (Ethicon), Polysorb (Covidien), Dexon.
Non-absorbable Sutures:
- Material resists enzymatic digestion and is not metabolized by the body.
- Common types: Silk (Sofsilk), Nylon (Monosof), Polypropylene (Prolene), stainless steel.

Absorbable Suture Details

Surgical gut can be natural (bovine-based, requires immediate use upon opening).
Synthetic types include Vicryl (braided, good knot security) and Monocryl (monofilament, excellent tissue passage).

Non-absorbable Suture Details

Silk is high-reactivity not for infected areas; stainless steel provides extreme strength with poor tissue passage.
Non-absorbable sutures are ideal for skin closure and long-term tissue repair due to higher healing time.

Suture Needles

Understanding needle anatomy is crucial: point (sharp end), swage (connection of suture and needle), body (shaft).
Types of needles include eyed, French eyed, and swaged (most common).
Needle points vary: taper (rounded), cutting (sharp edges for tough tissue), and blunt (safe for delicate organs).

Threading and Loading Sutures

Free needles can be threaded manually; swaged needles require no threading.
Check needles and sutures for completeness and functionality prior to use.
Manual straightening of certain suture types is necessary before needle loading to prevent fraying.

Safety and Best Practices

Always guard the return of needles and pass forceps to the surgeon's non-dominant hand during suturing to minimize injury risks.
Prepare straight mayo scissors for suture cutting post-knotting to maintain a smooth surgical workflow.

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Description

Explore the characteristics and applications of various surgical sutures, including Sofsilk and Nurolon. Understand the differences in material, strength, and knot security. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of suturing techniques in medical practice.