Module 13

Question 1

Most secure and commonly used; airtight; pass suture needle and thread from beneath the incision up through the integument, and cross the needle from side to side with each stitch

Answer 1

Baseball suture

Question 2

Creates tight, leak proof closure; begin the suture at one end and direct the needle through the tissue so it passes through both sides of the incision from the outside. Keep the thread tight with the hand not holding the suture needle. Then, lock the stitch by looping the needle through the thread. When completing the loop, pull the thread tight. Repeat until incision is closed. Disadvantage- an unsightly ridge appears on the surface of the incision.

Answer 2

Lock suture (Interlocking)

Question 3

Generally used to close long incisions like autopsy cases; prevents leakage from the body cavities during transfer from hospital to funeral home. Also seen by people who have died during surgery. Anchor the suture thread. Pass the needle through both sides of the incision, starting on the outside of the tissue on one side of the incision and passing directly through and out the tissues of the opposite side of the incision. Pass thread over the top of incision and begin the next stitch 1/2 to 1 inch beyond previous stitch.

Answer 3

Whip suture (Continuous)

Question 4

Used to gather in and turn under excess tissue; same as the single intradermal suture, except that the stitches are made parallel to incision edges and do not pierce the margins of the incision. Stitches are generally made as close to margins as possible. The stitches do not enter the incision except to start the suture. Each stitch should be drawn taut; not visible and may be waxed as needed. Excellent for closing a carotid or the scalp on cranial autopsy.

Answer 4

Worm suture (Inversion)

Question 5

Can be used to close circular openings like a colostomy. Do not tie a knot and leave some ligature outside the tissue. Exit the tissue in a spot superior to your entry and superior to opening and exit the tissue with needle. While outside tissue, cross ligature over the opening to a point inferior to opening, even with entry point, and left of the opening. Enter the tissue and then repeat the process on the anatomical left side of the opening. Tie the two ends of ligature together tightly to close opening.

Answer 5

“N” suture

Question 6

Draws the opening shut when ligature is pulled tight. Used for circular openings. Thread ligature at a point around the edge of opening, do not make knot. Thread ligature in and out of tissue around the entire opening until reach starting point, loop two ends around each other, pull tight until opening is closed and tie a knot.

Answer 6

Purse string suture