A suture is a wire or thread to close surgical incisions and wounds. Healthcare providers thread it with a needle to stitch through a wound. This plays a crucial role in closing the wound, enabling your tissues to heal securely and properly. Traditionally, sutures are made from non-absorbable materials and used widely.

However, in recent years, absorbable sutures have gained popularity. These simplify the healing process and offer several benefits. They include the following:

• Eliminates need for removal

The best part about absorbable sutures is that they do away with the need to remove the suture. On the other hand, non-absorbable sutures need a separate visit to your health provider for their removal. It is generally time-consuming and inconvenient. Absorbable sutures break down naturally over time and are absorbed by the body. This prevents you from visiting the doctor for suture removal, saving you and your healthcare provider valuable time.

• Option for customisation

Absorbable sutures are available in several materials and formulations. This allows your doctor to select the kind with a specific absorption rate, depending on the needs of your wound. Some tears require sutures that maintain their tensile strength for longer before absorption. Alternatively, others may need ones that break down very fast.

This option of customisation of the absorption rate ensures that your wound receives adequate support during the critical healing period.

• Reduces tissue reaction

Absorbable sutures are crafted with biocompatible materials. These are well-tolerated by the body. Consequently, it minimises tissue reaction and reduces the chances of inflammation. This reduced tissue reaction results in more comfortable and faster healing for patients. It also decreases the risk of infections or other suture-related complications.

• Are versatile

These sutures are available in different configurations and sizes. This makes them suitable for several surgical procedures and various wounds. Additionally, they can be utilised for external and internal suturing. This provides flexibility to health providers belonging to multiple specialities. Consequently, absorbable sutures are a valuable tool across many healthcare settings.

• Encourages proper healing

Absorbable sutures support the process of wound healing by providing the initial tensile strength. This effect holds the tissues together during the primary stages of the healing process. As the sutures gradually break down with time and get absorbed in the body, the wound starts healing naturally.

The sutures support your wound until the tissues regain strength and can bear the stress by themselves. As a result, it encourages proper wound healing and reduces the chance of complications.

• Minimises discomfort

Compared to non-absorbable sutures, patients experience lesser discomfort with absorbable sutures. The lack of need for suture removal also does away with the associated pain and fear among patients. This improves the patient’s comfort during the healing process. Patients can also focus on recovery rather than worrying about the impending suture removal appointment.