Silverized catgut is a material often used in surgery for sutures. The correct spelling of this word is /sɪlvəraɪzd ˈkætɡʌt/. The word 'silverized' is pronounced with a short i sound followed by a long e sound, represented by the phoneme /aɪ/. The word 'catgut' is pronounced with a short a sound followed by a short u sound, represented by the phoneme /æ/ and /ʌ/ respectively. The word 'catgut' is actually made from the intestines of sheep, not cats.
Silverized catgut refers to a type of surgical suture material commonly used in medical procedures. It is a combination of two distinct components: catgut and silver. Catgut is a natural material obtained from the intestines of sheep or goats that has been processed and sterilized for medical use in surgery.
The catgut undergoes a specialized treatment process to enhance its properties and make it suitable for surgical applications. This treatment involves soaking the catgut in a solution containing silver compounds, typically silver nitrate. The exposure to silver impregnates the catgut with the antimicrobial properties of silver, making it resistant to bacterial growth and infection.
The silverized catgut suture is widely utilized in various surgical procedures, particularly in situations where the risk of infection is high. It is commonly employed for closing wounds, tying blood vessels, and suturing soft tissues. The silver in the catgut acts as an effective barrier, preventing the growth of bacteria and reducing the chances of post-operative complications.
The use of silverized catgut offers several benefits in surgical settings. Its antimicrobial properties provide an additional layer of protection against infection, which is crucial for successful wound healing. Furthermore, the natural absorption property of catgut eliminates the need for suture removal, as it gradually dissolves and gets absorbed by the body over time. This convenience avoids the discomfort and potential scarring associated with suture removal.
In summary, silverized catgut is a specialized type of surgical suture material made by infusing catgut with silver. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective in reducing the risk of infection, making it an essential component in various surgical procedures.
Prepared by immersion of c. in a 2 per cent. solution of collargolum for one week and then in 95 per cent. alcohol for a quarter to half an hour.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "silverized catgut" has a relatively straightforward etymology:
1. Catgut: The word "catgut" is a misnomer, as it does not come from cats. It refers to a type of cord or string traditionally made from the intestines of sheep, cows, or horses. The term "catgut" is derived from the Old English word "cattgut", where "cat" is a contraction of "catt" meaning "catling" or "kitling", which refers to a young animal. In this case, "catgut" was used to describe the guts of animals used for making musical strings and surgical sutures.
2. Silverized: The term "silverized" is derived from the word "silverize", which means to treat or coat something with silver or a silver-like substance.