During surgery, there is a need to connect tissues, blood vessels. Suture materials in surgery have undergone a certain evolution, and today they have a number of specific properties that contribute to the rapid healing of wounds. Modern medicine has also taken into account the cosmetic side: the stitches become less noticeable, and often there is no trace of them at all.
Stapling Material Specifications
Suture material must have a number of specific abilities. First of all, such a substance should not be toxic, cause allergic reactions. Another necessary quality is resistance to sterilization, because it is the absence of pathogenic flora that is very important during surgical intervention. And, of course, the suture material must be strong, not injure the tissues through which it passes. Its elasticity and the ability to form knots are also important. All materials can be in the form of a single thread or be formed fromseveral (torsion, weaving). Depending on the ability of the substance to biodegrade, the classification of suture material looks like this: absorbable threads, slowly absorbable, and those that do not absorb at all. Also, such an element in surgery can be of both natural and synthetic origin.
Non-absorbable materials
Similar materials were used even before the advent of more modern analogues. However, even now they are widely used in cases where it is necessary to obtain a strong and reliable connection. In this case, the fabrics will be held for a long time by a similar seam. This category includes silk threads (conditionally absorbable, as they become invisible after a few years), lavsan, polypropylene, polyvinyl, metal devices, staples. Silk has a fairly high strength. Such a thread is very easy to manipulate, tie knots. In this case, reactions in the tissues are often observed. Often such suture material is used in ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and during operations on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Inert threads include polypropylene. Due to its high strength, it is used when applying grids, fixing various elements. The metal wire is made of high quality steel and can be used to connect the sternum sections, etc.
Lavsan in surgery
Surgical suture material based on polyester has undoubted advantages: highstrength, handling properties are also on the level. In addition, it very rarely causes reactions in the tissues. It comes in several types: twisted, braided, coated with fluororubber. The cost of such a thread is relatively low. Often, such a suture material is used during tissue prosthetics, during operations on difficult-to-heal areas, as well as those areas where constant tension is observed. However, there are also a number of disadvantages. Being constantly in the body, such threads can cause inflammation.
A characteristic of a resorbable material. Catgut
Substances in this category can be natural or synthetic. Catgut is considered natural. This surgical suture is made from the small intestines of mammals (he althy), which are processed in a special way. Initially, such a material has sufficient strength, but it is soon lost. In a week or two, its indicators are reduced by half. In order for the resorption period to increase somewhat, catgut is treated with chromium s alts. This manipulation doubles the dissolution time. It is also important to note the fact that such a suture material absorbs differently depending on the tissues in which it was placed, as well as the intensity of the blood supply to this area, and the individual characteristics of the organism. The disadvantages include the stiffness of the thread, as well as the possibility of allergic reactions. The main applications are gynecology, urology, respiratory and digestive operations, wound closure.
Synthetic absorbable sutures
This type includes substances that have optimal properties. When using them, it is easy to predict the timing of strength loss. In addition, such threads are easy to work with, they are quite strong. Another undoubted plus is inertness and the absence of allergic reactions. One of the varieties - polyglycolide suture material is absorbable. It is characterized by increased strength and is able to hold the wound during critical periods of healing. Dexon is one of the most used materials in general surgery, as well as in gynecology and urology. Such synthetic substances have a common origin. They are polymers of lactic acid. After the thread has entered the tissue, the process of hydrolysis occurs. At the end of all chemical reactions, the suture material decomposes into water molecules and carbon dioxide. Synthetic absorbable sutures are most often used to connect the tissues of the abdominal and pleural cavities. In these areas, the regeneration period is from one week to a month, while it coincides with the decrease in material strength.
Vikryl - a suture material for joining tissues
To connect soft tissues and areas that do not require prolonged tension, the modern material Vicryl is used. It is of synthetic origin and contains glycolide and L-lactide. Tissue reactions during its use are minimal, strength decreases after 4 weeks. Complete dissolution in the bodyoccurs by hydrolysis after 50-80 days. Such threads are used in ophthalmology and gynecology. But those areas in which its use is impractical are neurosurgery and heart surgery. Vicryl is a suture material that can be supplied undyed or purple. Threads exist in different thicknesses and lengths. The kit may also include stainless steel needles.
Storage of sutures
In order for the threads to retain their physical properties, it is important to adhere to the correct temperature regime. Suture materials in surgery lose strength if stored at temperatures above 30º C or at negative rates. If the thread has been removed from the packaging but not used, it must be discarded. It is also important to keep track of expiration dates. After their expiration, the properties change somewhat. Contact with moisture is also highly undesirable. Re-sterilization of suture material is not allowed.
