Nonabsorbable suture

Nonabsorbable suture

• A. A suture material that dissolves in the body over time
• B. A suture material that is absorbed quickly
• C. A suture that is not absorbed by the body and either remains permanently in tissue or is removed
• D. A suture that is biodegradable

Answer: (C)

Nonabsorbable sutures are designed to stay in the body without being dissolved. The body does not break them down, so they can remain permanently in tissue or be removed later if needed. This is in contrast to absorbable sutures, which are intended to dissolve over time as healing occurs. Descriptions that say the suture dissolves, is absorbed quickly, or is biodegradable all point to absorbable or degradable materials, not nonabsorbable. Therefore, the definition that fits nonabsorbable is a suture that is not absorbed by the body and may remain permanently in tissue or be removed.

Nonabsorbable sutures are designed to stay in the body without being dissolved. The body does not break them down, so they can remain permanently in tissue or be removed later if needed. This is in contrast to absorbable sutures, which are intended to dissolve over time as healing occurs. Descriptions that say the suture dissolves, is absorbed quickly, or is biodegradable all point to absorbable or degradable materials, not nonabsorbable. Therefore, the definition that fits nonabsorbable is a suture that is not absorbed by the body and may remain permanently in tissue or be removed.