Unlike ordinary sewing threads, here are the ingredients

To close open wounds on the body, the doctor will use a special thread to sew it up. It should be noted that the sewing thread for surgery is different from the thread used for sewing clothes. Not only are they different in size, they are also made of materials. For more details, the following is the review.

Types of operating threads

Source: Padham Health News

Based on absorption in the body

Based on its absorption, surgical suture threads can be categorized into two major groups, namely absorbable and non-absorbable. The absorbable suture means that there is no need to remove it after stitching the wound or tissue.

This is because enzymes in the body's tissues can naturally break down these threads. While the surgical suture is non-absorbable, it needs to be removed at a later date.

Based on the structure of the material

Based on the structure of the material, the type of operating thread is also divided into two. First, namely monofilament yarn which consists of one thread. These threads are easier to pass through the tissue because they tend to be thin.

The second type is multifilament yarn, consisting of several threads. This thread consists of several small threads that are braided together. Usually these threads tend to be stronger but are also quite at risk of causing infection because they are thicker.

Based on the material for which it is made

Based on the material for which it is made, sewing threads are divided into two groups, namely natural and synthetic. Yarn made from natural fibers such as silk or gut. This type of thread is usually rarely used because it tends to trigger negative reactions in the tissue.

Meanwhile, synthetic threads are made from man-made materials, such as nylon. This type of thread is usually the one used more for sewing open wounds.

Surgical yarn material

Source: Dotmed

Based on the material from which it is made, surgical sewing threads are distinguished from those that are absorbable and those that are not. Each of them is made of different materials.

Absorbable yarn material

This one thread is usually used to cover the innermost part of the incision. Even so, this thread can also be used for the surface of the skin. Here are the ingredients:

Gut (intestines)

This natural monofilament thread is used for suturing deep soft tissue wounds or tears. Gut should not normally be used for cardiovascular or nervous system procedures. Because, the body has a strong reaction to this one thread and can actually injure it.

Therefore, these threads are usually only used for gynecological operations (operations related to the reproductive organs).

Polydioxanone (PDS)

This synthetic monofilament thread can be used to repair soft tissue wounds, such as for a child's stomach or heart.

Poliglecaprone (Monocryl)

This synthetic monofilament yarn is usually used to repair exposed soft tissue. However, this one ingredient should not be used for cardiovascular or nervous system procedures.

This one thread is most often used to cover skin wounds so that they are not visible.

Polyglactine (Vicryl)

This multifilament thread is usually used to repair torn hands or faces. These threads are also among those that should not be used for suturing procedures for parts of the cardiovascular or nervous system.

Non-absorbable yarn material

All types of non-absorbable surgical suture materials can usually be used to repair soft tissue, including for cardiovascular and nervous system procedures.

In addition, this thread is usually used for tissue that requires a long healing process, such as sutures in the tendons, covering the abdominal wall, and suturing the skin.

Here are some non-absorbable surgical suture materials, namely:

• Nylon, natural monofilament yarn.
• Polypropylene (Prolene), synthetic monofilament yarn.
• Silk, a natural multifilament yarn (in the form of a braided braid).
• Polyester (Ethibond), synthetic multifilament yarn (in the form of a braided braid).

Could the suture cause infection?

Unlike other types, surgical suture threads are very sterile. Therefore, this one thread does not cause infection.

However, quoted from Healthline, multifilament threads that tend to be thicker than monofilament threads are more at risk of causing infection.

This is because the threads tend to be thicker, making it more difficult for them to pass through the tissue during the sewing process. However, if done by a skilled doctor who is trained and professional in their field, this risk is certainly very unlikely.

The real thing that can lead to infection is if you don't treat the wound properly. You have to really care for the suture wound with care so that the risk of infection can be avoided.

For that, make sure your hands are clean when handling the stitches. In addition, do other treatments your doctor recommends to keep the stitches sterile and heal quickly.