Wound Closure

Question 1

what is a wound?

Answer 1

an injury in which there is a forcible break in the continuity of the soft tissue

Question 2

Methods of wound closure

Answer 2

sutures
staples
tissue glue
skin adhesive
adhesive tape

Question 3

Suture

Answer 3

Hold the wound edges in opposition until the wound can regain normal tensile strength without the support of the sutures

Question 4

sututres

Answer 4

Non - absorbable
Absorbable

natural or synthetic
Monofilament or multifilament
coated or uncoated
antibacterial

Question 5

pros of suture material

Answer 5

suitable for any situation
long shelf life
readily sterilised by steam
good knot security
tie easily with no tendency to slip or loosen.

Question 6

what if suture is too tight

Answer 6

tear through skin swells
causes itchiness resulting in patient interference
constrict vessels at wound edge > delayed healing

Question 7

Ligatures

Answer 7

ligation - the use of suture material and surgical knots to occlude blood vessels

disadvantage - foreign body left in wound

Question 8

Staples

Answer 8

usually packed in a gun type applicator

traumatic but are quick, cheap and don’t always require sedation

skin staples are the most commonly used but there are specialised staples for intestinal anastomosesm and vessel ligation

Question 9

Tissue glue

Answer 9

used for skin closure, it is designed for rapid healing and is most commonly used on superficial wounds

mildly irritating, can promote interference

Question 10

other adhesives

Answer 10

skin adhesive - a flexible secure skin closure which can add strength and can inhibit bacteria

adhesive tape - mainly used in human skin cosure often used in large animal abdominal closure