Lecture 6 8/29/24

Question 1

What are the goals of wound closure?

Answer 1

-bring edges together and eliminate dead space
-permit primary intention wound healing
-avoid infection
-assist hemostasis
-minimize scar formation

Question 2

What are the general principles of suturing?

Answer 2

-completed knot must be perfect to prevent slippage
-simplest knot for material used is most desirable
-knots and suture ends should be as small as possible without sacrificing knot integrity
-extra throws do not add to the strength of a properly tied knot
-avoid friction and sawing, which weakens suture integrity
-avoid damage to suture material when handling
-avoid excessive tension
-do not tie sutures too tight
-maintain traction to avoid loosening throw
-use even, horizontal tension for each throw
-suture forehand

Question 3

How should the needle holders be positioned on the needle?

Answer 3

-needle held at the very tip of needle holders
-needle holders positioned on caudal third of needle

Question 4

What are the characteristics of suture spacing?

Answer 4

-spacing between sutures should be equal to the distance from needle entry to wound margin
-equal bites should be taken on each side of the wound
-perpendicular bites on each side

Question 5

How deep should suture be?

Answer 5

-deeper than wide
-equal depth on both sides

Question 6

What is the minimum required number of throws for a suture?

Answer 6

4

Question 7

How should suture tags differ between skin sutures and buried sutures?

Answer 7

-1 cm tags on skin sutures
-2-3 mm tags on buried sutures

Question 8

What are the characteristics of a simple interrupted pattern?

Answer 8

-simple/easiest
-maintains integrity if one suture breaks
-slower to apply

Question 9

What are the characteristics of intradermal/subcuticular sutures?

Answer 9

-continuous or interrupted layer of sutures placed in the dermis beneath the epithelial layer
-parallel to wound edges if continous
-want good apposition with absorbable suture
-larger suture is not beneficial; leads to more reaction

Question 10

What are general tips for suturing?

Answer 10

-always pass needle towards yourself
-reverse hand position after each throw
-use even tension while knot tying
-do not use instruments to grasp/clamp any suture material staying in the animal; weakens suture