Suture technique - principles
- Why - primary intention healing
- How
It is important to remember to keep the levels correct to prevent a stepping of the suture line, which will give a poor aesthetic result.
- Which needle and suture
Needle – Round bodied – separates rather than cuts - pushes between tissues – useful for oral mucosa and for deep tissues - Cutting needle – triangular cross section – used for tough / dense tissue e.g. skin
It is important to hold the needle properly:
It is important to reduce the dead space. If this is not performed then there is an increased risk of:
- Infection and wound breakdown
- Secondary scar formation
The material of choice is an undyed resorbable suture e.g. Vicryl Â
This material can also be used to align oral mucosal tears, after dental anaesthetic is used – the advantage is they do not have to be removed. Use a 4/0 or 5/0 resorbable suture for intra-oral wounds. Wounds of the face or mouth may need specialist closure.