Review On Biological Properties of Suture Materials

Abstract

Suture is a general term for all materials used to stitch torn tissues. Surgical sutures are imperative in management of surgical and traumatic wounds. Sutures are primarily used to oppose tissues together to assist and accelerate the recovery process after an incident or surgical operation. In addition, sutures also aid in obliteration of dead space, even distribution of stress on the incision line, and maintenance of adequate tensile strength throughout the critical wound healing process until appropriate tissue strength is achieved. Considering availability of a wide variety of suture materials, it’s important to know the differences between various sutures before making an informed decision. Suture material's overall performance is influenced by its physical qualities, handling features, and biological factors. The aim of this seminar paper is to give highlights on the biological properties of suture materials. Suturing is not simply about closing a wound; it is a skill that requires finesse and can significantly impact the healing process, reduce complications, and even affect long-term results. Suture selection involves the choice of both the appropriate type and size of suture material. Sutures may cause different host reactions in living tissues. While the suture remains in the tissue, it can trigger the inflammation cascade through different pathways such as degradation, a foreign body reaction, an allergic reaction, or abrasion. Natural suture materials such as catgut and silk are more immunogenic than synthetic materials because they are degraded by proteolysis in contrast to synthetic suture materials, which are degraded by hydrolysis. Therefore, surgery professionals should choose a suture material with good tissue acceptance.