|
SUTURE 1 |
CHARACTERISTICS AND FREQUENT USES2 |
|
Vicryl®, Dexon® |
Absorbable; 60-90 days; ligate or suture tissues where an absorbable suture is desirable. |
|
PDS® or Maxon® |
Absorbable; 6 months; ligate or suture tissues especially where an absorbable suture and extended wound support is desirable |
|
Prolene® |
Nonabsorbable; inert |
|
Nylon |
Nonabsorbable; inert; general closure. |
|
Silk |
Nonabsorbable (caution: tissue reactive and may wick microorganisms into the wound); excellent handling; preferred for cardiovascular procedures. |
|
Chromic Gut |
Absorbable; versatile material. |
|
Stainless Steel Wound Clips, Staples |
Nonabsorbable; requires instrument for skin removal. |
1The use of common brand names as examples does not indicate a product endorsement.
2In general, absorbable suture material should be used internally, and nonabsorbable material should be used externally (skin closure). External sutures and staples should be removed about 10 days after surgery or when appropriate incision healing has occurred.