Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What is another name for a stick tie or transfixation suture?

1. Half-hitch suture

2. Suture ligature

3. Continuous suture

4. Overhand knot

The correct answer is: Suture ligature

A stick tie or transfixation suture is also referred to as a suture ligature because it provides both hemostasis and secure closure by encircling a tissue and tying it off. This technique is often utilized in surgical procedures to ligate blood vessels or to secure tissues in a manner that maintains tension and achieves proper closure. Suture ligature serves the dual purpose of holding tissue together while also preventing bleeding by occluding the blood supply. It is typically applied using a long strand of suture material that can be passed through the tissue, allowing surgeons to effectively manage wounds or surgical sites. In the context of other options, half-hitch suture refers to a different knotting technique, continuous suture indicates a method of stitching without interruption, and overhand knot describes a simple knot sometimes used in tying sutures but does not capture the specific application of a stick tie or transfixation suture. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective suture selection and application in surgical procedures.