Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What type of suture is commonly used when closing the anus after a perineal resection?

1. Continuous suture

2. Purse string suture

3. Interrupted suture

4. Subcuticular suture

The correct answer is: Purse string suture

The choice of a purse string suture for closing the anus after a perineal resection is based on its unique design and its specific application in this surgical context. A purse string suture is a circular stitch that can be pulled tight, effectively gathering tissue together. This is particularly beneficial in closures requiring a tight, secure fit, such as the anal region, where the integrity of the closure is crucial for maintaining function and preventing complications like leakage or stenosis. In the case of perineal resections, the purse string suture allows for precise approximation of the tissue edges. This type of closure not only helps to reduce tension at the anastomosis site but also provides a means to adjust the tension as needed during the procedure. The ability to gather and close the tissue circumferentially enhances the healing process and helps maintain the natural shape of the anal canal. While continuous, interrupted, and subcuticular sutures have their applications in different types of closures, they don’t provide the same specific advantages as the purse string suture in this context. Continuous sutures may not allow for the same degree of adjustment and tension management required in the delicate anal area. Interrupted sutures can provide good approximation but don't facilitate the controlled tightening that