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Non-absorbable sutures are one of the basic components used in modern surgery. Unlike the absorbable suture counterparts that dissolve with time, non-absorbable sutures are constructed to remain in place until manually removed. The sutures can be used for a wide variety of surgeries, especially for wounds that require support for a longer period or in external procedures. Knowing the various types of suture stitches and non-absorbable suture material will allow medical professionals to make decisions best suited for the patient’s specific needs in surgery. In this blog, we’ll explore various non-absorbable sutures and their characteristics.
Table of Contents
What Are Non-Absorbable Sutures?
Non-absorbable sutures are surgical threads cut from materials that do not dissolve in the body. These sutures are used to close wounds or surgical incisions where healing requires long-term support. Unlike absorbable sutures, which are broken down naturally in time, the non-absorbable sutures remain intact until they get physically removed. These sutures apply to external skin stitches, orthopedic surgeries, and any other surgical procedure that demands long-term tissue support.
Why Are Non-Absorbable Sutures Used?
There are several reasons why non-absorbable sutures are chosen over their absorbable counterparts:
- Long-term support: Wounds that heal slowly or where tissues are subjected to considerable stress require extended support from the sutures. For areas where absorbable suture material might not provide necessary tensile strength, nonabsorbable suture material would be used and left in for long periods.
- External Wounds: Nonabsorbable sutures are very effective in closing skin wounds and for wounds on the external parts of the body, where they can be removed after the wound heals. It is also applicable in cases wherein the inner wound has not fully healed, but the outer skin has already healed.
- Specialized Procedures: Sutures must be left in situ for some time in certain surgical procedures, such as cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries. Nonabsorbable sutures are required since they can keep the tissues intact until the wound is fully healed.
Types of Non-Absorbable Sutures
Non-absorbable sutures can be broadly categorized based on the type of materials used. Depending upon the use for a particular surgery or specific area of treatment, which suture material will be utilized is determined. Let us explore some of the most commonly used suture materials for non-absorbable sutures:
1. Nylon sutures
The most commonly used non-absorbable suture material is nylon. It is a synthetic polymer, thereby giving it a smooth surface, making it much less traumatic to the tissue at insertion. Nylon sutures are used predominantly in soft tissue repairs, skin closures, and general surgeries. These sutures are very flexible, resistant to infection, and have low tissue reactivity. A disadvantage of using nylon sutures is that they progressively lose their strength over time and are not ideal for long-term internal use.
Uses of Nylon Sutures:
- Skin closure after external surgeries
- Soft tissue repairs
- Ophthalmic surgeries
2. Polyester Sutures
Polyester is an artificial, woven, non-absorbable suture material with high tensile strength. These sutures are used when the procedure necessitates more considerable support, and they are therefore used in orthopedic procedures where strong sutures are expected to be durable. Polyester sutures are not prone to elasticity, meaning they do not stretch, so they are especially useful in the high tension regions.
Uses of Polyester Sutures:
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Cardiovascular surgeries
- General soft tissue repairs where high strength is required
3. Polypropylene Sutures
Polypropylene is another commonly used non-absorbable suture material, which is especially advantageous due to its smooth surface and minimal tissue reactivity. It is frequently used in delicate procedures such as cardiovascular surgeries where minimal friction between the suture and tissue is paramount. Polypropylene sutures also have a low coefficient of friction, which decreases tissue irritation.
Uses of Polypropylene Sutures:
- Cardiovascular surgeries
- Ophthalmic surgeries
- Abdominal and gastrointestinal surgeries
4. Silk Sutures
Silk sutures are derived from the natural fibres of the silk thread produced by silkworms. While silk is a non-absorbable suture material, it has a smooth surface and high flexibility, allowing it to be tied comfortably and used for delicate tissues. Silk sutures are most commonly used in procedures where flexibility and ease of handling are determinants. However, being organic, silk sutures tend to get infected easily. This restricts their usage in certain applications.
Uses of Silk Sutures:
- Skin closure for external wounds
- Delicate tissue repairs in soft tissue surgeries
- Ophthalmic surgeries
5. Steel Sutures
Steel sutures are made up of stainless steel; they are, therefore, very robust and resistant to breakage. They are usually not used for soft tissue work but are a good choice when orthopaedic surgeries or surgery requiring an excellent, unyielding sturdiness. Steel sutures are also used to close large wounds where maximum tensile strength is needed.
Uses of Steel Sutures:
- Orthopaedic surgeries
- Bone fractures
- Large abdominal surgeries
Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures: Key Differences
Both absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures play critical roles in wound closure, but they differ in several important ways. Below is a comparison table that highlights the key differences between these two types of sutures:
| Feature | Absorbable Sutures | Non-Absorbable Sutures |
| Dissolution | Dissolve over time as the wound heals | Remain intact and must be removed after healing |
| Material | Made from synthetic or natural materials like polyglycolic acid or catgut | Made from synthetic materials like nylon or natural materials like silk |
| Use | Ideal for internal wounds or procedures where removal is impractical | Used for external wounds, skin closure, and areas requiring long-term support |
| Healing Time | Break down as the tissue heals | Provide long-term support until the wound fully heals |
| Risk of Infection | Lower risk of infection as they don’t require removal | Higher risk due to the need for manual removal |
When Are Non-Absorbable Sutures Preferred?
Non-absorbable sutures are preferred in several situations, including:
- External Wounds: Non-absorbable sutures are often used for closing external wounds, such as skin incisions, where removal is possible after the wound has healed.
- High-Tension Areas: In cases where the wound is under significant mechanical stress or tension, non-absorbable sutures provide the necessary strength to keep the wound closed while it heals.
- Long-Term Support: Non-absorbable sutures are often used for surgeries that require long-term support, such as cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures.
- Sensitive Areas: In some delicate surgeries, such as ophthalmic procedures, non-absorbable sutures are used due to their smooth surface and minimal reactivity with tissues.
Advantages of Non-Absorbable Sutures
- Long-Term Support: One of the main advantages of non-absorbable sutures is their ability to provide long-term support for healing wounds. This is especially important for external wounds and high-tension areas.
- High Tensile Strength: These sutures offer greater strength and durability compared to absorbable sutures, making them suitable for areas with high mechanical stress, such as joints and bones.
- Lower Risk of Rejection: Non-absorbable suture material is generally non-reactive, reducing the risk of rejection by the body.
- Versatility: Available in various forms, non-absorbable sutures can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a wide range of surgical procedures.
Disadvantages of Non-Absorbable Sutures
- Need for Removal: Since these sutures do not dissolve, they require removal once the wound has healed, which can be uncomfortable for patients.
- Potential for Infection: The risk of infection is slightly higher due to the need for removal and the prolonged presence of foreign material in the body.
- More Rigid: Some types of non-absorbable sutures are stiffer and may cause irritation in certain types of tissue, making them less ideal for delicate surgeries.
Conclusion
Non-absorbable sutures form a crucial suture material during surgeries where a solid, long-term wound closure is the objective. Now, surgical suture manufacturers manufacturers like Nuvo Medsurg innovate different varieties of suture materials, so one can select the appropriate situation per the patient’s and surgery requirements. Whether you are contemplating a procedure involving non-absorbable sutures or want to know more about their role in modern surgery, it is important to realize each material’s benefits and potential drawbacks. If you are planning surgery or want to learn about non-absorbable sutures, discuss it with a health provider to know what best fits your case. You can also browse our product categories to explore related surgical solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What are the main differences between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures?
Non-absorbable sutures are not absorbed and must be taken out once the wound has healed. These are used in most external wounds or when some body part requires constant support. The absorbable sutures are utilized for internal wounds.
2. Can non-absorbable sutures cause allergic reactions?
Yes, natural fibres, such as silk, used to make non-absorbable sutures may sometimes provoke allergic reactions in sensitive people. However, synthetic materials like nylon and polypropylene have a much lower chance of provoking allergic reactions than natural fibres.
3. How long do non-absorbable sutures stay in the body?
Non-absorbable sutures must be removed through a professional health care provider, and there is no set time the sutures should be removed; that depends on what type of suture is placed and where on the body they are; often, though, sutures are taken out about 7-14 days from when surgery was completed.
4. Are non-absorbable sutures more painful than absorbable sutures?
The pain with non-absorbable sutures is a general procedure- and site-related rather than a characteristic of the suture material. However, as sutures that do not absorb must be removed, there often is some discomfort to the patient at the time of suture removal; this also varies depending on the size of the wound and its location.
5. Can non-absorbable sutures be used for internal surgery?
Most external wounds are treated with non-absorbable sutures. However, in some cases, they can be used in internal surgery. For example, in cardiovascular or orthopedic surgeries, non-absorbable sutures are used where tissues have to be held together for a long period. Generally, they are not used in cases of internal wounds that do not require support for a long period. Absorbable sutures should instead replace them.
