Sutures - Essential Medical Threads for Wound Closure

Sutures are medical threads used to hold the edges of a wound or incision together during the healing process.

sutures FAQ

What is a surgical suture?

Surgical suture and polypropylene thread held with a needle holder. Packaging shown above. A surgical suture, also known as a stitch or stitches, is a medical device used to hold body tissues together and approximate wound edges after an injury or surgery. Application generally involves using a needle with an attached length of thread.

Why is wound suturing important?

Suturing a wound is an important surgical skill to learn and become competent in. Wound suturing and closure is important in order to: In this article, we shall look at three types of suture – the interrupted suture, the continuous suture, and the mattress suture The interrupted suture is the most commonly used technique in wound closure.

What is suturing & how does it work?

Suturing entails the closure of a wound or defect using a thread attached to a needle with knots tied to maintain the apposition of wound edges As with all simple procedures, suturing can be done well or poorly Essential skill for many specialities, not just surgery (A&E, GP, Dermatology, Anaesthetics)

What is an example of a suture?

Sutures are medical tools that help close a wound. They reduce the risk of infection and support the healing process. For example, a dentist who has to remove a large tooth might place a suture in the gums. Similarly, a surgeon removing the appendix may place sutures in the abdomen. Sutures can be internal, external, or both.

What is a suture used for?

Sutures are medical tools used by doctors and surgeons to close a wound. Depending on your condition, a doctor will use the proper suture technique and material to stitch a wound or laceration shut. Sutures are used by your doctor to close wounds to your skin or other tissues.

Why is suturing important in wound closure?

Suturing is a fundamental skill in wound closure and plays a crucial role in promoting proper wound healing and minimizing the risk of infection and complications. This comprehensive suture guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of different suture types, suturing techniques, and important considerations for proper wound closure.

How does a doctor suture a wound?

Sutures are used by your doctor to close wounds to your skin or other tissues. When your doctor sutures a wound, they’ll use a needle attached to a length of “thread” to stitch the wound shut. There are a variety of available materials that can be used for suturing. Your doctor will choose a material that’s appropriate for the wound or procedure.