Wound Closure Materials

Question 1

Advantages of sutures (5)

Answer 1

Promotes healing
Some absorbable
Some AM coated
Wide range available
Used for wide range of areas

Question 2

Disadvantages of sutures (4)

Answer 2

Some require removal
Patient interference
Some more expensive
Requires good technique

Question 3

Advantages of staples (5)

Answer 3

Fast
Well tolerated
Reduced sx time
Good for high GA risk patients
No sterile equipment required

Question 4

Disadvantages of staples (4)

Answer 4

Noisy
Can be painful
Costs more than many sutures
Not as secure as sutures

Question 5

Tissue glue advantages (8)

Answer 5

Good for small wounds
Better for rabbits
No GA
Quick and easy
Painless
No removal
Can be used for nasal catheters

Question 6

Disadvantages of tissue glue (4)

Answer 6

External only
Cannot be used in areas subject to movement/moisture
Not always as secure as sutures
Allergic reaction

Question 7

What must be considered for choice of material (4)

Answer 7

Biological interaction
Tissue type and location
Presence of infection
Drainage

Question 8

Characteristics of ideal suture material (6)

Answer 8

Ease of use and handling 
Good retention of tensile strength 
Minimal tissue reaction 
- pain/swelling/delayed healing
Not traumatise tissue 
- no cutting or friction
Doesn’t encourage bacterial growth
- avoids capillarity (fluid attraction)
Absorbs once served purpose

Question 9

Economic factors of sutures (3)

Answer 9

Cost
Shelf-life
Versatility

Question 10

General characteristics/use of absorbable sutures (3)

Answer 10

Degraded within tissues
Maintain tensile strength up to 60days
Used for internal organs and tissue layers

Question 11

General characteristics/use of non-absorbable sutures (3)

Answer 11

Less likely to cause tissue reaction
Maintain tensile strength >60days
Used when prolonged mechanical support required