Recent Advances in Suture Material

Abstract

When the surgeon brings wound edges together he is trying to create a favourable situation for the patient’s body to repair the wound. However, many other significant factors influence normal healing. The patient is more likely to heal normally if in good health without chronic illness such as diabetes or cancer. Adequate nutrition is an important requirement particularly protein, essential amino acids and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Respiratory dysfunction, which results in poor oxygen delivery to injured tissues, makes the wound more vulnerable to infection and slowed healing. An obese patient because of a thick layer of subcutaneous fat leading to haematoma and infection, a patient on high doses of steroids depressing the initial inflammatory response and reducing collagen synthesis, a jaundiced or uraemic patient with depressed fibroblast activity—all require extra care to ensure sound healing.