Surgical Suturing Techniques for UPSC CMS: Knots, Needles and When to Use What

Suture Materials#

Absorbable: Catgut (plain/chromic), Polyglycolic acid (Vicryl), Polydioxanone (PDS). Used for internal tissues.

Non-absorbable: Silk, Nylon (Ethilon), Prolene (polypropylene), Stainless steel. Used for skin, vascular anastomosis.

Needle Types#

• Cutting needle: Triangular cross-section, for tough tissue (skin)
• Round body (taper): Round cross-section, for soft tissue (intestine)
• Reverse cutting: Outer curve cutting, for tough tissue

Suture Patterns#

Interrupted: Individual knots. Advantage: if one fails, others hold.
Continuous (running): One long suture. Advantage: even tension distribution.
Mattress: Vertical (everting) or Horizontal (apposing).