Suturing Flashcards
the ideal suture has what characteristics?
- sterile
- all purpose material
- causes minimal tissue injury or reaction
- easy to handle
- holds securely when knotted
- high tensile strength
- favorable absorption profile
- resistant to infection
10-O, 9-O, and 8-O sutures are used for what purposes?
- most delicate surgeries
- ophthalmic surgery
- small damaged nerves in hand or cardiac repair
7-O and 6-O sutures are used for what purposes?
- repairing small vessels and arteries
- delicate facial plastic surgery
- vascular graft suturing
5-O and 4-O sutures are used for what purposes?
- larger vessel repair (AAA)
2. skin closure
3-O and 2-O sutures are used for what purposes?
- high tension skin closure
- muscle layers
- bowel repair general surgery
O sutures are used for what purposes?
- closing fascia layer in abdominal surgery
- joint capsule in knee / hip
- deep layers of the back
which sutures are used for:
- most delicate surgeries
- ophthalmic surgery
- small damaged nerves in hand or cardiac repair
10-O
9-O
8-O
which sutures are used for:
- repairing small vessels and arteries
- delicate facial plastic surgery
- vascular graft suturing
7-O
6-O
which sutures are used for:
- larger vessel repair (AAA)
- skin closure
5-O
4-O
which sutures are used for:
- high tension skin closure
- muscle layers
- bowel repair general surgery
3-O
2-O
which sutures are used for:
- closing fascia layer in abdominal surgery
- joint capsule in knee / hip
- deep layers of the back
O
1 sutures are used for what purposes?
- hip surgery
2. deep muscles of the back
2 sutures are used for what purposes?
repair of tendons or other high tension ortho structures
3 sutures are used for what purposes?
surgeries that involve ribs or sternum
which sutures are used for hip surgery and deep muscles of the back?
1 or O
which sutures are used for repair of tendons or other high tension ortho structures?
2
which sutures are used for surgeries that involve ribs or sternum?
3
which suture sizes will NOT show up on x ray?
8-O or smaller
which is more resistant to harboring microorganisms - monofilament or multifilament suture?
monofilament
which exhibits less resistance to passage through tissue - monofilament or multifilament suture?
monofilament
which handles and ties better - monofilament or multifilament suture?
multifilament
which has greater capillarity - monofilament or multifilament suture? what does that mean?
multifilament
fluid / organisms can travel along it easier
which has a greater risk of infection and dehiscence - monofilament or multifilament suture?
multifilament
definition: tissue glide
capacity of suture thread to pass smoothly through tissue during placement
which has better tissue glide - monofilament or multifilament suture?
monofilament
the rule of halves is used for what sutures?
simple interrupted
vertical mattress
horizontal mattress
inverted interrupted
what are two benefits to the rule of halves?
- reduces tension on wound
2. eliminates dog ears
what is the preferred stitch for lacerations? what suture size is used?
simple interrupted
3-O
when are laceration sutures taken out?
5-7 days
what is the preferred stitch for areas of high tension / inversion (knees / elbows / folds)? what size suture is used?
vertical mattress
3-O
simple interrupted is used for what type of wound?
laceration
vertical mattress is used for what type of wound?
high tension / inversion
what type of stitch is used for knees / elbows / folds?
vertical mattress
absorbable or non-absorbable: simple interrupted
non-absorbable
absorbable or non-absorbable: vertical mattress
non-absorbable
absorbable or non-absorbable: continuous running
absorbable
what is the contraindication to a continuous running stitch?
hemostasis concerns
continuous running stitch is ideal for what types of wounds?
deeper layers - fascia, peritoneal closures
absorbable or non-absorbable: running subcuticular
absorbable
a running subcuticular stitch is used for what type of wound?
low tension
absorbable or non-absorbable: inverted interrupted
absorbable
an inverted interrupted stitch is used for what type of wound?
closes dead space (knots are buried)
short incisions (laparoscopic port sites, pediatrics)
removal time: face
4-5 days
removal time: scalp
7 days
removal time: neck
5-8 days
removal time: upper extremity
8-14 days
removal time: trunk
7-10 days
removal time: extensor surface of hands
14 days
removal time: lower extremity
14-28 days
number of throws in a surgeon’s knot
3
number of throws in a complete knot
2
