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

What type of suture technique absorbs into the body after a certain period of time?

1. Non-absorbable

2. Absorbable

3. Barbed suture

4. Retentive suture

The correct answer is: Absorbable

Absorbable sutures are designed to be broken down by the body over time, which is a critical feature for certain surgical procedures. These sutures are made from materials that are naturally metabolized by the body's enzymatic processes or hydrolysis. This means they do not require removal after the tissue has healed, making them particularly useful in internal surgeries or in situations where suture removal would be difficult or painful. The absorption time varies depending on the type of absorbable sutures used—some may retain their tensile strength for a few days, while others may last for several weeks before being fully absorbed. In contrast, non-absorbable sutures remain intact and must be manually removed after healing. Barbed sutures, while also being absorbable, are characterized by their unique design that allows for tissue approximation without the need for knot tying. Retentive sutures are used specifically to provide additional support and security in closing wounds, often in high-tension areas, and do not inherently carry the absorption property. Understanding the distinctions among these types of sutures is vital for choosing the appropriate material based on the specific requirements of the surgical procedure and the healing process of the tissue involved.