"Sutures" and "Stitches" are often used interchangeably in medical procedures. While most people understand what both terms mean, there is a subtle difference between them. Simply put, sutures are the medical devices used to close wounds, while stitching is used to apply the sutures. Although both terms are closely linked in wound repair, it's essential to understand the difference between sutures and stitches for proper treatment.
What Are Sutures?
Sutures are medical devices specifically developed for stitching wounds. They hold tissue together after surgery or injury. Sutures come in all types, depending on their composition, absorbability, and design. The choice of sutures depends on the nature of the wound, the injury site, and the patient's condition. Absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are usually described in order of how they are used during the healing process.
Absorbable sutures follow the body's natural order over time, eliminating the need for removal. They are commonly used for internal stitches that won't be visible or cause discomfort. On the other hand, depending on the type and application, non-absorbable sutures need to be removed after a period or remain in place permanently.
What Are Stitches?
For example, surgeons use stitches to close wounds. Stitching passes the suture thread through the tissue to hold it together until it heals. There are advantages and disadvantages, but depending on the complexity and location, the wound can be closed with different suture materials and techniques. Sewing is what "stitches" mean, but "suturing" is more formal or technical.
Suture Grading
Sutures are graded by diameter, indicated by a number after the letter "O" (e.g., 4-0, 5-0). The higher the number, the thinner the suture. Surgeons select the appropriate suture size based on the wound's location and depth. More extensive wounds or those that involve significant tissue tension require thicker sutures, while finer sutures are used for delicate or superficial procedures.
Types of Suture Techniques
Like the suture, we should choose the proper suture technique. Since the type of wound and the desired outcome vary, surgeons can choose any of the above methods.
Continuous Sutures
The surgeon stitches a wound with a single strand of suture in a continuous suture, in a series of stitches, but without cutting the thread. It's faster and evenly distributes tension across the wound, helping ensure a more robust, secure closure. Long or superficial wounds are generally closed with continuous sutures.
Interrupted Sutures
Unlike continuous sutures, interrupted sutures involve stitching each wound segment individually. After each stitch, the surgeon ties the suture off before proceeding to the next one. Although this technique takes longer, it allows for more precision and is more secure since even if one suture breaks, the others will still hold the wound closed.
Purse-String Sutures
Purse-string sutures involve stitching around a circular area and then tightening the suture, similar to pulling the string of a purse. This technique is often used to close holes or secure devices like a stapling instrument to organs like the intestines.
Buried Sutures
Buried sutures are used for deep tissues or internal suturing. The knot is tied beneath the skin or tissue, making the suture invisible once the wound heals. This technique is often used in abdominal surgery or other internal procedures where the suture needs to be out of sight and not cause irritation.
Suture Needles
Specialized needles are used by surgeons on specialized sutures to close their wounds. There are different varieties of needles in suture needles with various shapes and tips to meet the requirements of other procedures.
Curved Needles
Curved needles allow better maneuverability in tight spaces, especially deep or small incisions. They also help make stitching quicker and more precise.
Straight Needles
Straight needles are used for skin suturing and are best suited for external wounds. They may not be the best for deeper wounds, but they make elegant stitches for surface wounds.
Blunt-Tipped Needles
Blunt needles are designed to reduce the risk of puncturing underlying tissues, making them perfect for use near sensitive areas like organs. They are particularly great for delicate surgeries where one wants to protect the surrounding structures.
Suture Instruments
Surgeons need various instruments to sew correctly, from forceps to needle holders. The forceps draw tissue and stitch tight; the needle holder holds a needle and helps the surgeon stitch. They are the instruments that you have precision and control over during the procedure.
At Stellmacher Instruments, we understand the importance of having high-quality suture products and instruments at your disposal. Our comprehensive range of sutures, needles, and surgical instruments ensures that your team can handle every kind of wound closure with precision and care—trust Stellmacher Instruments to provide the tools you need to deliver exceptional patient outcomes in every surgical procedure.