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

Which characteristic best describes absorbable sutures?

1. They are always non-reactive.

2. They are gradually lost through enzymatic degradation.

3. They must be removed surgically after healing.

4. They are made from synthetic materials only.

The correct answer is: They are gradually lost through enzymatic degradation.

The characteristic that best describes absorbable sutures is that they are gradually lost through enzymatic degradation. Absorbable sutures are specifically designed to break down within the body over time, eliminating the need for removal after the tissue has healed. This property is particularly advantageous in areas where it may be difficult to access for suture removal or in internal tissues that heal within a predictable timeframe. The process involves the body's enzymatic activity, which hydrolyzes the suture materials either through natural decomposition (in the case of natural absorbable sutures like catgut) or through processes designed in synthetic absorbable sutures. This gradual absorption allows for the support of healing tissue without leaving material that could provoke chronic inflammation or infection. While some absorbable sutures may have lower reactivity, stating they are "always non-reactive" is inaccurate as the degree of reactivity can vary based on material and individual patient responses. Additionally, absorbable sutures do not require surgical removal after healing, as they are designed to be safely broken down and absorbed by the body. Furthermore, while absorbable sutures can be made from both natural and synthetic materials, limiting them to synthetic only does not accurately capture the full range of absorbable sutures available.