Sutures are widely used in surgical procedures in a hospital to get the best results. On the other hand, it is wise to know their characteristics before choosing them. This is because they provide ways to ensure smoothness and flexibility while performing surgery. Another thing is that a hospital can choose the best products which suit its medical services. It is necessary to know the differences between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. A non-absorbable suture requires removal, whereas an absorbable suture doesn’t require any removal.
What Are the Characteristics of Sutures?
- Sterility
Sterility is an important aspect to keep in mind before buying a suture. This is because it plays an important role in preventing infections and other problems. A sterilized suture provides ways to ensure high protection from bacteria and other microorganisms while performing surgery.
- Biocompatibility
Sutures shouldn’t cause any reactions in the human body, such as toxicity and irritation. It should promote the ingrowth of fibrous connective tissues that help minimize complications to a large extent.
- Tensile strength
Tensile strength is an important factor to keep in mind when buying a surgical suture from a company. A suture should withstand for 5 days or more required for wound healing. When the diameter of sutures increases, the tensile strength of sutures will also increase.
- Elasticity
Elasticity is one of the things to consider while purchasing a new suture. A suture should retain strength and retain its original length after stretching. Sutures with high plasticity elongate without stressing that don’t hinder circulation in the tissues.
- Reliable absorption
A suture should provide reliable absorption during a surgical procedure. This will help a lot to reduce unwanted problems to ensure peace of mind. Hence, a hospital should check the absorption of sutures before buying them. The absorption of a suture will take place in two phases, and the first phase may take 6 weeks after surgery. However, the absorption period will take up to 3 months for absorbable sutures in the second phase. For non-absorbable sutures, the period will be 6 months.
- Diameter
Diameter is another factor to keep in mind when buying a suture from a company. It is wise to select sutures that have the same diameter throughout the length.
- Easy to operate
A suture should allow users to operate the same easily to reduce unwanted issues. Surgeons and doctors should make sure that the sutures are soft, smooth to use, and free from disconnection.
- Material coating
The material coating is another factor to keep in mind when buying a suture. Choosing a suture with material coating allows a surgeon to ensure smoothness during a surgical procedure and help get the desired outcomes.
- Choosing the right company
Not all suture companies are the same, and hospitals should know the details of top suture manufacturers in detail. This will help select a company that provides high-quality products to users in the market. Another thing is that it gives ways to perform a surgical procedure without any hassles.