SURGICAL SUTURE Meaning and
Definition
-
A surgical suture refers to a medical device used in the field of surgery for the purpose of closing tissue after an invasive procedure or injury. It is commonly known as stitches and is meticulously employed by surgeons to approximate the edges of wounds or incisions, encouraging natural healing and preventing potential complications. Typically, surgical sutures consist of a sterile thread-like material, such as silk, nylon, or absorbable substances like polyglycolic acid, which can effectively withstand tension without breaking or causing damage to the tissues.
The process of applying surgical sutures involves carefully aligning the edges of a wound and using a needle to pass the suture through the tissue, creating a secure and stable closure. These sutures can be either absorbable, meaning they break down and dissolve over time, or non-absorbable, requiring manual removal after the wound has healed. Absorbable sutures are often preferred for internal tissue closures to avoid the necessity of a second procedure for suture removal.
Surgical sutures play a critical role in wound care and promote faster healing through reducing the risk of infection, minimizing scarring, and decreasing the likelihood of tissue separation. With advancements in medical technology, various types of sutures have been developed, tailored to different wound types, surgical techniques, and patient characteristics. Surgeons consider factors such as the location, depth, and tension of the wound, as well as the patient's healing ability and cosmetic concerns when selecting the appropriate suture type and technique. Overall, surgical sutures remain an indispensable tool in the field of surgery, ensuring optimal wound closure and healing.
Etymology of SURGICAL SUTURE
The word "surgical" is derived from the Latin word "surgicalis", which means "pertaining to surgery". It is formed from the combination of two Latin words: "surcus" meaning "a furrow or groove" and "icus" which is a suffix denoting "pertaining to" or "related to".
On the other hand, the word "suture" comes from the Latin word "sutura", meaning "a sewn seam". This word is derived from the Latin verb "suere", which means "to sew". The term "sutura" refers to the act of sewing or the material used for sewing together edges or parts of a wound or incision.
Therefore, when combined, the term "surgical suture" refers to the materials or techniques used in surgery to sew or close wounds, incisions, or surgical openings.
